B.A. in History B.A. in History with Secondary School Teacher Certification in Social Studies Minor in History Bachelor of Arts in History The Bachelor of Arts degree in history involves a wide range of classes in American, European and world history that broaden our students' knowledge of human society and culture. Learning goals in individual history courses are listed in more detail in their respective syllabi. More generally, in lower division courses the learning goals are focused on content. Students are introduced to some basic concepts of historical study: among these are an awareness that patterns of change and continuity occur over time and are rooted in specific contexts; and that history is interpretive and there may be a variety of ways of seeing and understanding the past. Upper division courses in the history major seek not only to develop a fairly complex understanding of the content of each course, but also to provide an awareness of history as a discipline. Generally, upper division courses will focus much more than lower divisions courses on reading, researching, and writing skills essential to the discipline of history. The critical thinking and communication skills developed in the study of history translate into success in a wide variety of venues, and several professions recognize the value of historical training. Consequently, a history degree provides excellent preparation for those pursuing careers in museum and archival work, law, government/politics, international service, journalism, public relations, and business. The history major is an important foundation for those in training for a teaching career, and especially for those pursuing a secondary education teaching certificate in social studies. It is also valuable for those who intend to enroll in a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree after graduation, and in general for those who are seeking a career in higher education. Download the degree requirements (PDF format) Bachelor of Arts in History with Secondary School Teacher Certification in Social Studies This degree allows students to get licensed to teach social studies in grades 7-12. Students complete the B.A. in History with the modifications described below. In addition, they complete a sequence of study and field experiences in education. For details on the education component of the program, visit the Education Program site. Download the degree requirements (PDF format) Departmental Honors The history faculty may invite qualified and interested majors during their junior year to consider writing an honors thesis in history. Successful completion of the thesis will result in graduation with honors in history. Candidates for honors must have a 3.0 or above overall grade point average with a 3.3 grade point average at the end of the first semester of the junior year in the major. Candidates for honors must form a committee of three faculty, one of whom must be drawn from the history program who shall chair the Honors Committee. The name of each thesis candidate and the working title of the thesis must be submitted to the program chair by September 15 for May graduates and April 15 for students completing in December. If honors candidates are to graduate in the semester they are enrolled in Honors Seminar (HIS 4002), all requirements for the completion of HIS 4002 must be completed one week before the deadline for the submission of graduating senior grades. Honors theses in history must conform to the Turabian/Chicago Manual of Style. History Minor The history minor is available to all bachelor’s degree candidates. Students must complete 18 to 19 credits in history. Nine credits must be at the 3000 level or above. Three credits may be selected from the courses designated above as cross-listed. The Department strongly recommends taking the senior seminar in history. Download the degree requirements (PDF format).
