Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
Explore culture, society, history, and politics while developing critical thinking skills for meaningful careers, advanced study, and engaged citizenship.
Explore the human experience
and shape the future
Humanities and Social Sciences students develop critical thinking, research, communication, and analytical skills through collaborative scholarship and real-world learning. Our programs examine historical, political, spatial, social, and philosophical issues while preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions to their communities and professions.
Degrees Offered
- History (B.A.)
- Political Science (B.A.)
- Social Studies Education
- Geography and Planning (B.A.) – Not Accepting new students
- Ethics, Philosophy and Religion Studies Minors
- Pre-Law Program
Degree
Pathways
The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences offers diverse pathways that help students understand people, cultures, governments, societies, and the world around them. Through experiential learning, research, discussion, and community engagement, students gain valuable skills for professional success and lifelong learning.
Geography is the science of place and space, examining the relationships between people, environments, and locations. Students study how places differ, why patterns exist, and how humans interact with the world around them.
Ideal if you want to:
- Study environmental and human systems
- Analyze geographic data and trends
- Explore urban and regional planning
- Understand global and local connections
- Pursue careers involving land use, mapping, or public planning
History students seek to understand how the world developed into its present form while learning to apply lessons from the past to contemporary challenges. The program builds strong research, writing, and critical analysis skills.
Ideal if you want to:
- Examine historical events and cultures
- Conduct original research
- Develop strong writing and analytical skills
- Prepare for law, government, or education careers
- Better understand society through historical context
Political Science provides students with a strong foundation in critical thinking, analytical writing, and research. Students gain an understanding of political institutions, public policy, and global affairs while preparing for careers or graduate study.
Ideal if you want to:
- Understand government and public policy
- Analyze political systems and issues
- Develop persuasive communication skills
- Prepare for graduate or law school
- Pursue careers in public service
Students explore fundamental questions about knowledge, morality, meaning, and human existence. The program promotes thoughtful inquiry and the development of reasoning skills that can be applied to a variety of professions and life experiences.
Ideal if you want to:
- Explore ethical and philosophical questions
- Strengthen critical thinking abilities
- Study religious and cultural traditions
- Improve problem-solving and reasoning skills
- Engage in meaningful discussions about society
The Pre-Law pathway develops the reading, writing, analytical, and communication skills essential for success in law school and legal careers. Students study society through political, economic, cultural, and philosophical perspectives.
Ideal if you want to:
- Attend law school
- Develop advanced writing skills
- Strengthen verbal reasoning abilities
- Study government and legal systems
- Advocate for individuals and communities
Social Studies Education prepares future teachers to inspire the next generation of learners. Students build content expertise alongside educational theory and classroom experience.
Ideal if you want to:
- Teach history and social sciences
- Work with middle or high school students
- Foster civic engagement
- Combine subject expertise with education
- Make a difference in your community
Sociology examines social processes, institutions, and inequalities that shape human experiences. Students learn to analyze social issues within both historical and contemporary contexts.
Ideal if you want to:
- Study human behavior and social systems
- Understand social inequality and change
- Conduct research and data analysis
- Work in community and social services
- Explore solutions to societal challenges
Experiential learning and
research opportunities
Students engage in collaborative scholarship, discussion, research, and community-focused learning experiences that connect academic knowledge to real-world applications.
Facilities & Technology Include:
- Research and collaborative scholarship opportunities
- Small class discussions and seminar-style learning
- Community engagement experiences
- Faculty mentorship and advising
- Interdisciplinary liberal arts coursework
- Access to campus and regional resources
- Opportunities for presentations and academic projects
Students benefit from personalized support, meaningful faculty interaction, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for graduate study and professional success.
Careers in
Humanities and Social Sciences
Career Paths
Humanities and Social Sciences graduates at West Liberty University are prepared for diverse career paths, including:
- Attorney
- Policy Analyst
- Public Administrator
- Government Relations Specialist
- Social Services Coordinator
- Urban and Regional Planner
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst
- Historian
- Archivist
- Museum Professional
- Educator
- Community Development Specialist
- Research Analyst
- Nonprofit Administrator
- Legislative Assistant
- Human Services Professional
Graduates contribute thoughtful leadership, informed decision-making, ethical reasoning, and civic engagement that strengthen communities and society.
Mission, Vision
& Values
The mission of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences is to cultivate informed, analytical, and responsible citizens across campus and within the broader community. Through liberal arts education and collaborative scholarship, students gain the skills necessary for professional success and meaningful civic participation.
Core Values:
Critical thinking · Intellectual curiosity · Responsible citizenship · Collaborative scholarship · Civic Engagement · Cultural understanding · Ethical reasoning · Lifelong learning · Respect for diverse perspectives
The curriculum emphasizes critical reasoning, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, collaborative learning, and the examination of historical, political, spatial, philosophical, and social issues from multiple perspectives.
Graduate
Competencies
Graduates demonstrate competence in:
- Critical analysis and reasoning
- Academic and professional writing
- Oral communication and presentation
- Research design and implementation
- Quantitative and qualitative methodologies
- Ethical decision-making
- Information literacy
- Cultural and social awareness
- Civic and community engagement
- Interdisciplinary problem-solving
Student Resources
& Engagement
Students and alumni benefit from a wide range of departmental resources and engagement opportunities, including:
- Faculty advising and mentorship
- Undergraduate research opportunities
- Collaborative scholarship projects
- Internship opportunities
- Graduate and professional school preparation
- Community engagement experiences
- Academic clubs and organizations
- Professional networking opportunities
- Career development resources
- Interdisciplinary learning experiences
- Alumni connections and mentorship
Contact the
Department
Have questions about programs, admissions, or career pathways? Our faculty and advisors are here to help you take the next step.
Dr. Keith Bell
Interim Chair of Humanities and Social Sciences
Phone: 304‑336‑8376
Email: kbell@westliberty.edu
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.