Major in History
History is the broadest and most integrative of all
disciplines concerned with human beings and society.
Today's historians use the research tools of the social
sciences to understand and explain major events and
changes in human experience over time. Yet history has
always been considered one of the humanities, and it
remains so because historians are concerned with issues
of value and meaning, with the significance that historical
events had for the lives of individuals and groups.
Students of history gain an understanding of people,
groups and society and a sensitivity both to detailed
research and the "big picture." Through the
study of history, students can become better prepared
for life in a rapidly changing world and a rapidly evolving
economy.
Professions like law and medicine have always considered
history an ideal undergraduate major because it emphasizes
the essential intellectual skills: critical thinking,
research, writing and speaking. For these reasons history
also remains a sound preparation for almost any undergraduate
and a good choice for the typical student in America,
who graduates with a basic education rather than specific
job training. Most history majors, like other majors
in the arts and sciences, go into a wide variety of
jobs in the business world--from sales or communications
to research and administration. The most popular history-related
field that majors enter is teaching, and the Department
of History offers a secondary teacher-licensure program
in cooperation with the Department of Middle, Secondary,
and K-12 Education with the College of Education. Other
opportunities for training in history-related fields
are available as well. Members of the faculty have expertise
and offer courses in historic preservation, local history,
and other aspects of public history. Through the master's
program, history majors can pursue their interests at
the graduate level. (See The Graduate School website and the Graduate Students section on this website).
Study Abroad: Arrangements can be made for
study abroad in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America
or Canada.
If you have any doubt as to which set
of requirements apply to you, consult the department
or your history advisor.
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