History & Politics Concentration

Interested in history, government, and current events?
In this Section

Want to get involved in non-profit work, policy, law, or politics? Want to learn about the past so you can influence the future?

The B.S. Applied Social Science History and Politics concentration will give you the skills needed to work in a variety of fields and apply your interests to address real-world issues.

By studying history, you will learn critical thinking and writing, as well as how to gather and evaluate information, analyze texts, understand people different from yourself, and muster evidence to make a compelling argument. By understanding the past, we understand ourselves and our futures.  History is excellent preparation for a variety of careers and for law school and other professional studies at the graduate level. Learn more here: https://www.historians.org/teaching-and-learning/why-study-history

Political Science is the study of the theories and practices of government, politics, and decision-making at the local, state, national, and international levels. It seeks to understand the institutions, practices, and relations that constitute public life. A grounding in political science will train you in critical thinking, writing, and clear communication. Learn more about political science on the American Political Science Association's website.

At Stout, history and political science are approached from an applied perspective. You won’t just learn the theories and findings of these fields, you will learn data collection and analysis methods that can be used to address real-world issues and problems.

Minors

The History and Politics Concentration can be combined with a variety of minors to help you hone your skills and distinguish yourself on the job market:

Photo of Elle Alvarez-Casas
Elle Alvarez-Casas, B.S. Applied Social Science, History and Politics concentration.

"Every facet of this program has prepared me for life after college. The faculty in this program are second to none and truly care for their students. Almost all of the opportunities I have had came from faculty members who invested in my education more than I thought possible. I learned valuable skills both in and out of the classroom. I felt safe and comfortable working with and talking to my professors which has helped me become a great communicator and researcher."

Student Research

All students complete independent research to learn data collection and analysis techniques used across fields. You will learn how to clearly summarize and present results to use in decision making no matter what career you choose.

Project Titles

  • This History of the American Juvenile Justice System
  • Expanding Rugby in the United States: An Historical Analysis
  • A Tale of Two Watersheds: Mapping Farmer Networks
  • Public Land Usage: Development of Social and Economic Relations
  • Terrorism: The Art of Mimicking Media Coverage
  • Perspectives of Occupation in the Philippines from the American, Spanish, and Filipino Points of View

Career and Job Outlook

Job Titles

  • Community Organizer
  • Campaign Manager
  • Law Enforcement
  • Lawyer/Attorney
  • Legislator
  • Park/Museum Manager or Curator
  • Recruiter
  • Consumer Advocate
  • Historic Preservation
  • Political Staff/Aid
  • Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator
  • Assistant Librarian
  • Sales Support Specialist
  • Quality Research Analyst      
  • Military
  • Outreach Coordinator
  • Candidate Fundraising Manager

Alumni Careers and Employers

  • Museum Manager, Hay Lake School and Erickson Log Home Museum -- Washington County Historical Society, MN
  • Academic Advisor, University of Wisconsin-Stout Honors College – Menomonie, WI
  • Business Owner, Perlick Distillery – Sarona, WI
  • Veterans Service Representative, Veterans Benefits Administration – St. Paul, MN
  • Manpower Officer, U.S. Marine Corps – Camp Lejeune, NC
  • Assistant Librarian, Augusta Memorial Library – Augusta, WI
  • Quality Research Analyst - ResCare Workforce Services -- Pewaukee, WI
  • Case Management, Child Protective Services – Pierce County, WI
  • Peace Corps Volunteer, Philippines
  • English Teacher, South Korea
  • Infantry Corps, Active Duty Officer, U.S. Army -- Fort Benning, GA
  • Executive Director, Word is Bond – Portland, OR
  • Social Studies Teacher – Portland, OR
  • Research Analyst, Anoka Ramsey Community College – Coon Rapids, MN

Graduate School Placements

  • University of Arkansas School of Law
  • Hamline University, Master of Public Administration
  • Mitchell Hamline School of Law
  • University of Wisconsin-Stout (M.S. in Applied Psychology, M.S. in School Counseling)