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History: Degrees
This page outlines the degree requirements for the B.S./B.A. in History, History/Pre-Law, and Social Studies requirements change periodically so please check the appropriate academic catalog for any revisions.
B.A. Degree in History
36 hours, minor required
An OC Graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of history and knowledge of basic research techniques, the use of documents and the handling of evidence, as part of a Christian worldview.
- Demonstrate analytical and critical thinking through effective communication of independent research.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of American and European history.
- Be able to apply Christian ethics to life situations, as a leader in the home, community and church.
- Have an increased understanding of people of different cultures, times and places.
Degree requirements:
6 hours Western civilization:
- HIST-2923 Perspectives in Western Civilization
- any European history course
3 hours history electives
Two courses in the same foreign language (minimum total — 6 hours)
B.A. Degree in History/Pre-law
60 hours, no minor required
The B.A. in History/Pre-law has the same requirements as the B.S. in History/Pre-law (below), but the B.A. requires two courses in the same foreign language (minimum total — 6 hours).
B.S. Degree in History/Pre-law
60 hours, no minor required
The B.S. in History/Pre-law combines work in history, political science, economics, and literature to prepare the student for a variety of career opportunities and graduate studies. This degree is designed as preparation for careers in public administration, civil service, or foreign service, typically after taking an appropriate graduate degree. It also provides a good background for graduate work in the areas studied and is an excellent preparation for law school.
An OC Graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History will:
- Be familiar with law school pedagogy and course work.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of history and knowledge of basic research techniques, the use of documents and the handling of evidence, as part of a Christian worldview.
- Demonstrate analytical and critical thinking through effective communication of independent research.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of American and European history.
- Be able to apply Christian ethics to life situations, as a leader in the home, community, and church
Degree requirements:
36 hours history:
- 6 hours Western civilization:
- HIST-2923 Perspectives in Western Civilization
- any European history course
- 6 hours American history:
- 6 hours research courses; both must passed with a grade of C or better.
- A minimum of 15 hours 3000/4000 level courses. It is recommended that these include both American and European history courses.
- 3 hours history electives/2000 level or higher
6 hours business chosen from:
Students choosing one of the economics classes will be exempt from POLS-1213 – American Political Economy as a core curriculum requirement.
18 hours chosen from either Option A or Option B
Option A
- 9 hours political science required
- 3 hours political science chosen from
- 6 hours political science electives 2000 or higher
Option B
- 9 hours political science
- 9 hours literature in courses above ENGL-2213
B.S.E. Degree in Social Studies
45 hours, minor required
This degree is designed as preparation for those who plan to obtain a certificate to teach social studies in grades 9-12. The state of Oklahoma requires teacher education to be competency based; thus, this degree aims at providing students with the knowledge and skills to achieve competency in the various social studies. The program requires a minimum total of 45 hours distributed among all of the following fields: American history, world history, historical research, Oklahoma history, government, sociology, economics, and geography. Historical research is not a teaching area, but 6 hours are required for the degree. The student must meet all of the requirements for the B.S.E. as well as secondary education professional hours.
Degree requirements:
12 hours American history:
- 6 hours required:
- 6 hours 3000/4000 level American history courses;
- HIST-4013 American Revolutionary and Early National Eras is highly recommended
9 hours world history:
- 3 hours required:
- 6 hours other world history, of which 3 hours must be 3000/4000 level courses; a course in African or Asian history is highly recommended.
6 hours historical research; both must be passed with a grade of C or better.
6 hours geography chosen from:
3 hours economics:
3 hours American government
3 hours sociology:
3 hours Oklahoma history:
Fulfillment of foreign language competency is required of all social studies education majors. Also, students should choose Physical Science (Option I) to meet their science requirement in the core.
Faculty Facts
Dr. Matt McCook, Professor of History, studies and presents on American religions and intellectual history, the second Great Awakening, and religion in the early American republic. He enjoys playing guitar, golf, basketball, and is a crowd favorite at First Week Follies each year.
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