History

History majors study past events, people and cultures to learn about the world and how it is affected by change. Through reading and writing, students also develop critical thinking skills and learn how to evaluate historical events, ideas, and politics. History is a broad subject and specific courses are diverse and usually separated into many different categories. Some courses cover different civilizations, such Western, ancient, Islamic and European, and others focus on major historical time periods, such as medieval, renaissance, and colonial. Issues, such as socialism, race relations and gender roles, can also be studied in a historical context as well as developments like technology, medicine, or science. Since history is such a broad subject, many programs offer concentrations in the areas of art, religious, or military history.

The knowledge and skills that one acquires from completing a degree in history can be applicable to many different career paths in government, politics, journalism, business, and curatorial and archival management. Employment opportunities are typically available at federal and government agencies, historical associations, museums, and research institutes. Many History majors also enter the field of education, working for private learning centers and universities, and become teachers by earning a teaching certification. Individuals who are intrigued by the past and desire to understand the world in larger contexts may want to consider a major in history. It also serves as a solid foundation for individuals who wish to pursue graduate study in areas such as business, law, and higher education.