Ozarks Studies Minor

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Why minor in Ozarks studies?

  • You’ll join the only Ozarks studies program in the world, gaining deeper understanding of this vibrant region’s culture and traditions.  
  • One-of-a-kind courses in history, literature and geography will enhance your critical thinking skills and cultural competence. 
  • You’ll gain valuable knowledge for careers that require fluency in the challenges and rewards of life in the Ozarks.

Ozarks Studies

Bachelor of Applied Science
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Music Education
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science in Education (non-certifiable)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Social Work

Administration of the program

Elective courses must be approved by the faculty of the Ozarks Studies Committee for inclusion in the minor.

The Ozarks Studies Program is an interdisciplinary minor course of study allowing students to concentrate on the geography, history, literature, and cultures of the Ozarks. The minor provides students with an understanding and appreciation of the environment and cultures of the Ozarks region, past and present. It will stimulate awareness of the region's contrasts with and similarities to other American geographical and cultural regions as well as an appreciation for the region's place within the greater United States. This knowledge and experience is valuable in a number of contexts. For students from the Ozarks region, the minor in Ozarks Studies serves as an extended study of personal and regional heritage. For students who will remain in the region for work and careers, the minor offers an invaluable primer for understanding regional heritage, cultures, and the natural environment. For all students the minor provides a solid academic exercise in comparative regional study.

The minor includes OZK 150 and HST 375, plus at least 12 hours of additional coursework for a minimum of 18 hours. It is recommended that OZK 150 be taken prior to other required and elective courses in the minor.

A student can take no more than six hours in a particular discipline to complete the minor; exceptions must have the permission of the Administrator. A student can petition to apply to the minor variable content/special topics courses that focus on the Ozarks, with the approval of the Administration. These include: ANT 397, BIO 597, PLS 497, REL 397, and SOC 397.

  1. OZK 150(3), HST 375(3).
  2. 12 additional hours from: ANT 397(3)*; BIO 564(2), BIO 597(3)*, ENG 385(3), ENG 386(3), GRY 301(3); GRY 310(3) or REC 320(3); GRY 325(3); OZK 300(3)*, PLS 497(3)*, SOC 397(3)*.
    *when applicable

What is the Ozarks region?


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