Degree programs in history provide both breadth in area coverage and depth in practicing history research, preparing students to enter the teaching profession, applied fields such as heritage work, or graduate programs in history and related fields.  There is a major and minor in history.  The minor is offered on the main campus, MSU at Prestonsburg, and the University Center of the Mountains in Hazard.

The B.A. in Paralegal Studies is designed to equip graduates with the appropriate applied and theoretical knowledge of law in order to successfully assist lawyers in providing legal services to clients. The major combines the advantages of a liberal arts education with the development of professional skills necessary to provide legal assistance to attorneys.  

Philosophy and religious studies degree programs emphasize flexible, independent thinking. Students learn to analyze complex arguments by identifying assumptions in classical and contemporary debates and tracing the origins of those views back into the history of ideas. As a result, they learn to express themselves clearly and precisely in writing and speech.

Although there is no pre-law program or recommended major, MSU does offer pre-law advising for students in any major to help them to make successful applications to law school.

By combining courses in social studies fields and education, the Area of Concentration in Social Studies prepares students for teacher certification at the secondary level (grades 8 through 12) in at least four teaching fields.