Explore our Social Sciences programs
Studying behavioral patterns and what has happened in the past can help you prepare for the future. The social sciences are concerned with studying the behavior of humans – individually and as part of societal groups. At Wayne State, the Social Sciences degree programs include Geography, History, and Political Science. All three involve how people interact, including between themselves and in response to their surroundings and circumstances.
Studying the social sciences can prepare you for careers in law, government, criminal justice, and economics. This field of study plays a critical role in helping address the needs of individuals and communities, such as creating positive changes in policies and preparing for and responding to emergencies, like natural disasters or public health emergencies.
Notable social sciences aspects covered at Wayne State include geospatial technology software to map and analyze data, analyzing primary sources to discover historical facts and truths, and civic and world social issues.
Social Sciences concentrations
Geographers study the where and why of places. With a Geography degree from Wayne State, you’ll be ready to take on a variety of careers with your understanding of the world and how people relate to the environment.
Degree offered: B.A. or B.S. in Social Sciences/Geography
Program credit hours: 42 or 48
Historians are storytellers. Studying the past helps us understand our present and shape the future. In the History degree program, you’ll learn history as well as skills like analyzing data, solving problems, and communicating effectively.
Degree offered: B.A. or B.S. in Social Sciences/History
Program credit hours: 42 or 48
The Political Science program focuses on government operation, political behavior and theory, public policy, and international relations. This degree can prepare you for additional study in law, economics, geography, and social sciences.
Degree offered: B.A. or B.S. in Social Sciences/Political Science
Program credit hours: 42 or 48
Teaching the social sciences
If you're interested in becoming a social studies teacher, Wayne State offers the following endorsements in the field of social sciences:

Department faculty

Randy Bertolas, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Randy Bertolas is geography professor and chair of the History, Politics, and Geography Department.

Joe Blankenau, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Joe Blankenau is a political science professor at Wayne State College. He teaches a wide range of course including political theory, American and world politics, public administration, political institutions, and state/local government.

Eric Colvard, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Eric Colvard is a history professor at Wayne State College. Colvard’s interests include colonial South Asia, the British Empire, and globalization.

Phillip Fox, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Phillip D. Fox is a history professor at Wayne State College. He teaches a wide variety of courses in world and European history from the ancient past through the 20th century.

Jenny Miller, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Jenny Miller is a political science professor at Wayne State College. Her teaching interests include conflict and conflict resolution, criminal justice, human rights and human security, political systems, public policy, and research methods.

Lesli Rawlings, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Lesli Rawlings is a geography professor at Wayne State College. Her teaching interests are GIS and computer mapping, urban geography, economic geography, world regional geography and geography of Europe.

Brian Trump, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Brian Trump is a history professor at Wayne State College. He teaches the U.S. history survey, as well as upper-level courses on the history of the United States.
Get in touch
Department of History, Politics, and Geography
Connell Hall, Room 101
Phone: 402-375-7292
Clubs for Social Sciences majors
Civic Leadership at Wayne State (CLAWS) - An organization focused on building a bridge between the community of Wayne and Wayne State College
Gamma Theta Upsilon - International geographical honor society
Legal Minds - For students interested in all things related to law
Phi Alpha Theta - An honor society for students and professors of history
Pi Gamma Mu - An honor society that recognizes excellence in the social and behavioral sciences
Student Judicial Board (J-Board) - A peer-level hearing body for WSC students
Student Senate - Student body government of the college

Rankings and accolades
Recognized for excellence
Best Social Sciences Colleges in Nebraska
Wayne State is recognized among the best social sciences colleges in Nebraska by Universities.com in 2026.

A Best College of Distinction
Wayne State was recognized as a College of Distinction for our commitment to affordability, accessibility, and strong student outcomes that deliver a proven return on investment.

Best Colleges in Nebraska for Geography
Ranked among Nebraska’s top programs for geography studies in CollegeRaptor’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings.

A Top Public College in the Midwest
Wayne State College is ranked among the top public colleges in the Midwest for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting strong academics and student outcomes.

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