Department of Social Sciences

The mission of the University of Mount Union is to prepare students for meaningful work, fulfilling lives and responsible citizenship, and the study of and critical reflection on political, legal, criminal justice, historical, national security, international affairs, and sociological issues is an important part of this education in our increasingly turbulent world. The Department of Social Sciences seeks to equip students with the requisite skills and tools to succeed in their future and to instill in them a desire for and commitment to lifelong engagement in personal and professional capacities.

In pursuit of these goals, the Department incorporates an applied and reflective approach into its programs of study through critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving, historical and situational contextualization, and experiential learning.

Our various programs of study -- including criminal justice, history, international affairs and diplomacy, legal studies, national security and intelligence analysis, political science, and sociology – actively engage students in their learning, improve their analytical abilities, introduce them to quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, and help them develop effective written and oral communication skills.

Hosting National Experts

Our department has hosted three Presidential Legacy Conferences alongside The Ray C. Bliss Institute for Applied Politics at The University of Akron. Professors, correspondents, and government officials have attended to analyze the careers of former Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. Past attendees have included individuals from:

CBS News
National Public Radio (NPR)
U.S. House of Representatives
The White House
40+ national colleges and universities

Dr. Michael Grossman Department Co-Chair; Professor, International Affairs and National Security

Dr. John Recchiuti Department Co-Chair; Professor, History

Major, Minor

Criminal Justice

With unique hands-on experiences not found at other area institutions, including learning from local officers and a crime investigation office on campus, the criminal justice major at Mount Union prepares students for the future in several different fields.

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Major, Minor

History

An undergraduate history degree at Mount Union is obtained through in-depth classroom learning and a multicultural understanding.

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Major, Minor

International Affairs and Diplomacy

A degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy draws from disciplines such as political science, history, economics, and world languages to help students explore the relationships between peoples and countries across the globe to form an understanding of their relationships and perspectives.

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Major, Minor

National Security and Intelligence Analysis

Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in national security and intelligence analysis at Mount Union will be prepared for a career in their field by developing critical skills to identify, analyze, and deal with current and emerging threats facing the United States.

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Major, Minor

Political Science

The political science major at Mount Union is a comprehensive program that stresses real-world experience and provides you with the skills to make a meaningful impact in your personal and professional life.

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Major, Minor

Sociology

Students interested in a bachelor's degree in sociology will explore a wide variety of courses ranging from social status to grants and planning. Students will gain hands-on experience and knoweldge through research and internships that will give you an advantage in the work force.

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Collaborative Program

3+3 B.A./J.D. Programs

The 3+3 Political Science and Law Program allows students to complete an undergraduate degree in political science and a J.D. from a partner law school in six years as opposed to the traditional seven-year period.

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Minor, Preprofessional Program

Legal Studies (Pre-Law)

The minor in legal studies at the University of Mount Union will allow students to explore a variety of legal operations and concepts to become better citizens upon graduation.

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Faculty Spotlights

Dr. Michael Grossman Professor of International Affairs and National Security

Dr. John Recchiuti Professor of History

Dr. Aaron J. Howell Assistant Professor of Sociology

Dr. Michael Grossman

Professor of International Affairs and National Security

Mount Union can offer something that most other schools cannot: It can provide you with the education you would find at a big state school but with the added benefit of small classes and faculty members who really know their students.

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Dr. John Recchiuti

Professor of History

Within the history profession, I value the community of scholarship, the time to write, the frisson of joy I feel every time I enter a university classroom.

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Dr. Aaron J. Howell

Assistant Professor of Sociology

Mount Union provides a small, personal environment for a young person to develop and be educated.

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