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Prospective Students in History, Political Science, and Geography Department

The W's Department of History, Political Sciences, and Geography provides a broad liberal arts education for all students and seeks to be a model for the campus in how to promote learning by doing.

History majors engage in original research through the Capstone course offered in the senior year. Whether it is interviewing the women who desegregated the university or working at The W archives, you will gain significant research experience. Working in small classes and with one-on-one faculty contact, you will do history, not just study history.

Students of Political Science study with broader purpose. Here at the W, we develop skills too often left out of traditional political science programs: skills that allow our students to carry their knowledge out of the classroom, take action, and solve problems. Politics majors at the W understand the major players, processes, and uses of power; they also know how to make an impact.

Majors Freshman Requirements Transfer Requirements

A Legacy of Affordable Quality

History and political science study has been at the core of The W since the university was founded. Alumnae and alumni from The W have gone on to pursue careers at the local, state, federal, and international level. They run local archives and have presided over the Mississippi Supreme Court. That legacy of excellence continues today, our courses emphasize reading, writing, and critical thinking, and whenever possible we seek to have students engage in meaningful research work. Through the Mary Lou Peyton History Scholarships, we are able to provide sizable awards to help students pay for tuition, study abroad opportunities, and meaningful internships.

The university was founded in 1884 with the purpose of educating the under-served populations of Mississippi, and it is a tradition we strongly believe in to this day. The W consistently ranks as one of the best public universities in the Southeast according to U.S. News & World Report and Washington Monthly. Our commitment to an affordable education means we have one of the lowest tuition rates in the region.

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Banner - #1 Least Debt Amoung Regional Universities in the South

Making Higher Education Affordable

Cost shouldn't be a barrier. At The W it won't be. We believe that the cost of a college education should not be a deterrent to your pursuit of earning a bachelor's degree. The W has kept tuition among the lowest in the Southeast. We offer that same low tuition to residents of every state, and a range of scholarships, and grants to help you pay for your education.

See for yourself! Our Net Price Calculators can tell you what you can expect to pay in tuition and the scholarships you are eligible to receive.

Freshman Net Price Calculator Transfer Net Price Calculator

No Out-of-State Fees

We've eliminated all Out-of-State Fees, so no matter where you are from, you can get the same great education for the same price as a Mississippi resident. Really!

Scholarships Opportunities

HPG Department Scholarships Freshmen Scholarships Transfer Scholarships More Financial Aid Options

The Mary Lou Peyton History Scholarships

Mary Lou Peyton

The Mary Lou Peyton Scholarships were endowed by a generous bequest from the Peyton estate. Mary Lou Peyton attended the I.I. & C. (now The W) and later taught part-time at The W from 1938-1945. Her mother, Annie Coleman Peyton, was one of I.I. & C’s founders and taught history there from 1891-1898. The department is proud to help continue the work of both Mary Lou and Annie Coleman Peyton by supporting new generations of history students.

  • Mary Lou Peyton History Scholarship: Scholarships of up to $10,000 per year for History majors to help with tuition and other education-related expenses. Renewable for up to four years. 
  • Mary Lou Peyton Study Abroad Scholarship: Scholarships of up to $5,000 for History majors to support them in an approved study abroad program.
  • Mary Lou Peyton Internship Scholarship: Scholarships of up to $5,000 for History majors to support them in a local, national, or international academic internship.

 

Peyton Scholarships

The W Life

We know college is not just about academics. Here at The W, it's easy to find a fit in one of more than 70 student organizations. You can plan a concert, compete in intramural sports, serve in student government, participate in a social club, sorority, or fraternity. You can even start your own organization. There's plenty to do!

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On Campus Living

Healthy Lifestyles

Get Involved

Athletics

What's Next?

If you would like more information about everything The W has to offer:

Request Information

If you think The W would be a good fit, complete the free application to be admitted to the university.

Apply to The W

If you would like to take a tour of campus, we are happy to show you around and discuss our program.

Schedule a Visit

 

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And if you have a question, or would like to speak to a person about our programs, please feel free to contact us:

Kristi DiClemente, Ph.D.
History, Political Science, & Geography Chair
kdiclemente@muw.edu
(662) 329-7390

Office of Admissions
admissions@muw.edu
(662) 329-7106

Find your counselor

 

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