Department of History, UTA, Undergraduate Program

The study of history explores the basic forces that have shaped human affairs and is therefore a means for dealing with present concerns and future problems. An appreciation of our heritage develops a sense of our identity. Historical inquiry also provides the necessary background for the study of other disciplines such as economics, literature, art, language, and the social as well as natural sciences.

Students of history develop important critical skills that are the hallmark of educated people: the ability to reason and analyze; the capacity to investigate problems and synthesize diverse information; facility in expressing ideas or data clearly and precisely. The History Department encourages an open and questioning attitude toward the diversity of human experiences and ideas. An awareness of cultural differences between various groups of people will provide insights concerning the basic issues of world civilization. Students of history are encouraged to read analytically, speak cogently, and write coherently.

The History/ B.A. major provides students with core courses in American history and western/world civilization. At the junior and senior level of coursework, students develop their own plans of study by taking upper-division history classes in both United States and non-U.S. history. They also complete a substantial historical research project, while enrolled in History 3300 (the Study of History).

The History/Pre-Law major allows students to concentrate on legal studies, in preparation for law school or law-related careers. Along with courses emphasizing English and United States constitutional history, History/Pre-Law students select courses in related fields such as criminal justice, political science, sociology, and business law.

History/Secondary Education majors earn a B.A. in History, while obtaining certification to teach in Texas public secondary schools. Please contact the History advisor as soon as you think you might want to be an Educator. It is a challenging profession and preparation needs to begin early in the student's academic career.

Students may work out a plan of courses in History even if they are not majoring in History. History is a popular field for:

Persons wishing to obtain teacher certification in History or Social Studies in addition to their original field of Educator Certification. These students take courses that will prepare them to pass the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards.

Persons interested in pursuing a graduate degree in History or the Humanities, but needing to complete additional undergraduate courses in History. Such coursework often is recommended for students who had an undergraduate minor or concentration (but not a major) in History, and are interested in working toward an M.A. in History. (for more information, see Graduate Study in History)

Declaring a minor. Minoring in History may be done in consultation with students' major departments, by selecting at least 18 semester hours of History courses, at least 6 hours of which are at the advanced (3000-4000) level.

Ms. Holly Heatley, Interim Undergraduate Advisor
201 University Hall
817-272-2195
heatley@uta.edu

All students interested in history, whether or not they are formally declared as History Majors, are welcome to drop by the History Undergraduate Advising Office in Room 201 University Hall. The Undergraduate Advisor, Ms. Harris, provides class information and career advice for students considering history as an area of interest. In addition, the advising office has pamphlets and charts on career opportunities as well as information on the Law School Admission Test.

The History Department advisor prepares degree plans for students earning a B.A. in History. History majors must confer with the advisor before every registration period for specific course approval. The advisor is available for conversations of a general nature as well, offering a chance for students to consider career plans, graduate or professional programs, foreign study, or other academic concerns.

For further information:

Email the History Department : history@uta.edu or Fill Out a Request Form

The University of Texas at Arlington prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, age, sex, handicap or disability, or veteran status in any aspect of the admission or treatment of students.

You may be entitled to know what information UT Arlington (UTA) collects concerning you. You may review and have UTA correct this information according to procedures set forth in UT System BPM #32. The law is found in sections 552.021, 552.023, and 559.004 of the Texas Government Code.

What history classes are being offered?
Current and future course offerings are listed on the department's schedules page

When is the last day to drop?
Important dates can be viewed by connecting to UTA's Academic Calendar.
(Note: this link will take you outside the History Web Area)

What can I do with a degree in History if I don't want to teach?
An archivist, bibliographer, book selector, bookstore owner, business-to-business selling, buyer, copywriter, criminologist, curator, FBI/CIA agent, foreign news correspondent, foreign service officer, gerontologist, historian (consultant), human resources manager, information specialist, insurance, intelligence expert, journalist, judge, lawyer, librarian, paralegal, peace corps worker, public administrator, research assistant, researcher, technical writer, travel planner, urban administrator. In short, students of history are taught to think well, and communicate verbally and in written form, and are in demand in any profession. With certain degrees, the technical information taught will soon be outdated. Learning how to think in an organized way and to communicate with others will never be out of style.

Do I have to take a foreign language?
Yes -- 14 hours are required.

Do I have to take all 14 hours in the same language?
Yes

Do I have to take college algebra?
The basic History degree calls for 6 hours of any math credit on the college level.

Is there a limit on the number of hours I can transfer in from another school?
Yes. You can only transfer in a total of 72 hours from a junior college.

Can I do a double major?
Yes. You must complete all requirements for degrees in both majors.

Can I graduate with two separate degrees?
Yes, however, you must take an additional 30 academic hours beyond completing the requirements for both degrees.

Must I have a minor?
Yes. In the Education degree plans, the education courses can be your minor. All other degree plans require a minor --18 hours in any field -- six of which must be advanced. The Women's History Option requires that you minor in Women's Studies.