Undergraduate

Freedom Studies, Minor

Learn about the meaning of Freedom.

Close up of the beginning of the American Constitution.

About the Minor in Freedom Studies

The College of Liberal Arts offers the interdisciplinary minor in Freedom Studies in conjunction with the UM Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Freedom. By taking courses from a range of departments, the minor allows students to pursue a course of study that deepens their understanding of the meaning of freedom in general and the ways in which liberty plays a role in economics, constitutional law, society, and culture.

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    Program Information

    Degree

    Required Credit Hours

    18

    Program Type

    Minor

    Program Location

    Oxford

    Academic Requirements

    Find out about credit hour and course requirements for the Freedom Studies minor.

    Students in the Freedom Studies minor complete 18 credit hours, with 12 hours at the 300 level or higher. Students must take at least one class from each of the topic areas and no more than three FS classes may count toward the minor. A grade of C- or higher is required in all courses applied toward the minor.


    Freedom and Economics

    • Any Econ class at the 200-level or higher
    • FS 301: Topics in Freedom and Economics


    Key Issues in Constitutional Government

    • Pol 101: Introduction to American Politics
    • Pol 306: Const Law I: Supreme Court & Const.
    • Pol 307: Const Law II: Civil Lib & Civil Rights
    • Pol 313: American Federalism
    • FS 302: Topics in Law and Constitutional Thought


    Theoretical Foundations of Ordered Liberty

    • FS 101: Ideals of Liberty in the US Founding
    • Phil 316: Topics in Philosophy in American History
    • Phil 330: History of Western Political Philosophy
    • Phil 331: Political Philosophy
    • Phil 350: Philosophy of Law
    • Phil 372: Conservative Political Philosophy
    • PPL 377: Geographies of Conservatism
    • FS 303: Topics in Principles of Ordered Liberty


    Studies in the History of Freedom

    • Hst 130: Intro to US History to 1877
    • Hst 323: Age of Absolutism and Enlightenment
    • Hst 326: Age of Revolution, 1750-1850
    • Hst 335: The French Revolution
    • Hst 402: Revolutionary America, 1763-1800
    • Hst 419/AAS 423/G St 423: Black Women's Enterprise & Activism
    • Hst 422/AAS 438: The Rise and Fall of American Slavery
    • Hst 424/AAS 443: The Civil Rights Era
    • FS 304: Topics in Struggles for Liberation

    Steven C Skultety

    Welcome from the Director

    Freedom Studies takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding freedom in the United States and around the world. The minor prepares students for entry into the workforce as both civically aware citizens and employees. Students gain skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, and problem solving–all of which are highly desired by employers. 

    Steven C Skultety

    Chair and Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Freedom

    Beyond the Classroom

    The Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Freedom supports Freedom Studies Scholars and Freedom Fellows programs, which promote a deep understanding and appreciation of American freedom among students.

    Enhance your Freedom Studies Minor

    According to national surveys, employers are more likely to hire college graduates who have: 

    • had professional internships,
    • worked with people from diverse backgrounds on community service,
    • collaborated with peers on projects,
    • taken multiple courses with significant writing,
    • produced a senior project or thesis, and
    • studied abroad.

    These experiences are about core liberal arts skills of thinking, communicating, interpersonal skills, and understanding the world around us. Showcase and enhance these skills in an internship opportunity for that first step into the professional world. 

    The Center for the Study of American Freedom curates a comprehensive list of internships, fellowships, and other opportunities related to American freedom, providing students with a centralized resource for exploring various academic and experiential learning opportunities in this field.

    Internships and Fellowships 

    Your Major + Freedom Studies

    Freedom Studies can pair with a wide variety of majors on campus. Here are some likely combinations.

    Next Steps

    Explore Affordability

    We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.

    Apply to the University of Mississippi

    Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?