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.

View a PDF of the degree plan for:
• History BA
• History Secondary Education Option
• History Secondary Social Studies Certification Option
• History Pre-Law Option

Majors

The History B.A. 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.

History for non-majors

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.