What you'll learn studying History and Social Sciences at UW-Platteville
At the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, the Department of History and Social Sciences offers a rich, interdisciplinary education that helps you explore the forces shaping human experience—past and present. With programs in ethnic studies, history, international studies, political science, social studies education, sociology, and women’s and gender studies, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of society from multiple perspectives.
As a student in the department, you’ll:
- Develop essential skills in critical thinking, research, writing, and analysis
- Learn to assess arguments, interpret change, and understand individual and social behavior
- Examine cultural, political, economic, and technological developments across time and place
- Engage in real-world learning through internships, fieldwork, and study abroad opportunities
Whether you’re passionate about uncovering the past or committed to addressing contemporary issues, the programs in the Department of History and Social Sciences will help you become a thoughtful, informed, and engaged global citizen.
Ethnic Studies
The Ethnic Studies program is dedicated to awakening your mind and spirit to the issues of race and ethnicity. It engages you in the social realities and moral challenges of racism in the United States and around the world. Ethnic Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that forges strong scholarly and intellectual connections between history, political economy, anthropology, and the related fields of Native American, African American, Chicano/a, Asian American, and women’s and gender studies. The Ethnic Studies program provides you with an analysis of the historical narratives of marginalized groups whose lived experiences are often neglected. UW-Platteville offers a minor and certificate in Ethnic Studies.
History
The History program invites you to explore the events, ideas, and people that have shaped societies across time. You’ll examine political movements, cultural shifts, technological advances, and everyday life in different eras and regions of the world. Through this study, you’ll sharpen your skills in research, critical thinking, and clear communication—abilities that are valuable in any career. UW–Platteville offers a major and minor in History.
International Studies
As part of our commitment to creating engaged global citizens, the International Studies program focuses on understanding and appreciating the interconnectedness of the modern world. It explores how economic, technological, and communications development affect everyday life and commerce. UW-Platteville offers a minor in International Studies.
Political Science
The Political Science program at UW-Platteville enables you to improve substantially your understanding of yourselves and the world, while educating you to understand and appreciate politics, political thought and governance, and gain essential knowledge of your chosen fields. The department aims to prepare you for employment or advanced study, and stimulate you in anticipating your future roles as professionals and citizens. UW-Platteville offers a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Political Science.
Social Studies Education
The Social Studies Education program prepares you to teach middle and high school students about history, economics, geography, political science, sociology, and related subjects. This interdisciplinary major combines a strong foundation in history with courses across multiple social science disciplines, giving you the content knowledge and teaching skills needed to inspire future generations.
Sociology
Sociology is the study of society and its component parts, groups, cultures, norms, roles, and their institutional and organizational relationships. Sociology is a discipline in the social sciences and part of the liberal arts approach to education. The UW-Platteville Department of Social Sciences offers a minor in Sociology.
Women's and Gender Studies
The Women's and Gender Studies program is designed to hone interdisciplinary critical thinking and analytical skills. It is also geared toward helping you examine your personal and social values, as well as make wiser contributions to the diverse global community. Coursework includes subjects such as gender and society; psychology of women; management, gender, and race; and more. UW-Platteville offers a minor and certificate in Women's and Gender Studies.
Career Opportunities
A degree in history or social sciences gives you more than knowledge of the past—it sharpens your research skills, strengthens your ability to analyze complex information, and enhances your communication skills. These valuable abilities will prepare you to excel in a wide range of careers where critical thinking and cultural understanding are essential.
Some of the many careers you might consider after earning a degree in history or social sciences include:
- Archivist
- Community development coordinator
- Diplomat or foreign service officer
- Government policy analyst
- Historical researcher
- Lawyer or paralegal
- Legislative aide
- Librarian
- Museum curator or educator
- Political campaign manager
- Teacher or educator
Graduates work in federal, state, and local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions, educational settings, and the private sector. Some choose to pursue graduate or professional degrees in law, public administration, museum studies, or education to expand their career opportunities even further.
Discover by doing
At UW-Platteville we focus on hands-on learning. You’ll have exciting opportunities to conduct research, do field work, participate in internships, study abroad, and much more.
