Carnegie Mellon University

What is Social & Political History?

Social & Political History (SPH) is a research- and writing-intensive major that emphasizes analysis of change over time and in-depth understanding of the societies, cultures, economies, political systems and conflicts that have shaped our world.

The broad analytic, research, and writing skills cultivated by the SPH major prepare students for success in a wide variety of graduate and professional schools. Often, history graduates pursue post-undergraduate professional school, such as law, business administration, education, public policy, urban planning, librarianship, journalism, the ministry, or social work.

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Professor Law speaking with student

ricky law speaking with student

Course Information

Arrow  Requirements of the Major

Arrow  Schedule of Classes

Faculty & Advising

Ricky Law

Ricky Law

Director of Undergraduate Studies

jason-hostutler-800x800-min.jpgJason Hostutler

Humanities Advisor

alexg-800x800.pngAlexandra Garnhart-Bushakra

Academic Program Manager

Nico Slate

Nico Slate

India, U.S., Social Movements

Edda Fields-Black

Edda Fields-Black

African & African American, Disaspora

Christopher Phillips

Christopher Phillips

U.S., Science, Technology, Medicine

Scott Sandage

Scott Sandage

Culture, 19th Century U.S.
Lisa Tetrault

Lisa Tetrault

19th Century U.S., Women

Joe W. Trotter, Jr.

Joe William Trotter, Jr.

Urban, African American, Labor

Benno Weiner

Benno Weiner

China, Tibet, Ethnicity, Empire