Faculty: G. Bowden, J. Case, S. Floyd, M. Gold, G. Miller, A. Plug, S. Waalkes (Chair), J. Welling, T. Whittington

The Department of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences uses the tools of history, philosophy, political science, and sociology from a Christian perspective to understand more fully the nature of human existence and the development and structure of human societies. Departmental teaching equips students with the skills and insight necessary to engage the world in an informed and responsible manner. Departmental research investigates questions facing human societies in order to promote a deeper understanding of the nature of human interaction, reality, and truth. In all these activities, the department seeks to integrate Christian faith with learning in such a way that faith may shed light on the academic disciplines of the department and that, conversely, these disciplines may inform and deepen the Christian faith of the community. 

Through a study of forces such as culture, religion, politics, gender, class, and race, the department helps students become virtuous citizens and responsible shapers of Church and culture. In doing so, we provide an occasion for students to ask penetrating questions, scrutinize deeply held commitments, cultivate a love for truth and a more mature faith. Together these tasks enable us to develop and sustain a Christian view of the world of human life. Additionally, they enable us to promote in unique ways Malone University’s central aim, namely, to seek “Christ’s Kingdom First.”

The department offers four majors: History , Integrated Social Studies  (a teaching major), Philosophy , and Political Science . The department also offers minors in History , Philosophy , Political Science , and Sociology .

Special Program

Bliss Institute Internship

The Bliss Institute Internship offered by the Department of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences in partnership with the University of Akron’s Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, is designed to enhance and further educational opportunities available to eligible students. Such internships afford Malone students the opportunity to experience practical politics first hand. The objective of this program is to provide a flexible and responsive learning environment where students are able to interact with political career professionals and apply classroom theory and technique to actual workplace settings.