History

Mission

The History Program instills and fosters, in the spirit of free inquiry and intellectual exchange, an understanding of the influence of political, economic, social, and cultural forces on past and contemporary events, institutions, and peoples.  The History Program provides students with the ability to comprehend, compare, and evaluate competing explanations of past and present subjects, using reason and evidence to guide inquiry. 

Goals:

• Develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills.

• Develop an appreciation for the variety of cultures and civilizations of the world, across every period of history, from the ancient world to the 21st century.

• Promote not only tolerance of different perspectives and points of view, but an understanding of why these differences exist and persist.

• Complete independent research in the field of history by working with professional historians.

Interested students can add an optional concentration program.

Potential Careers

A History major allows students to pursue a wide collection of career paths and provides the necessary training for future work in many military, governmental, and civilian positions, including:

• Historian

• Military Officer

• Lawyer

• Museum Curator

• Teacher

• Intelligence Officer

• Any career that requires critical thinking, and analytical, problem-solving, and communications skills

Accelerated Master's Pathway

Students must meet ALL of the following requirements and apply, when appropriate, to the graduate program in addition to the accelerated pathway criteria.

1. Academic Standing

• Must have achieved junior or senior standing (minimum 60 credits completed)

• Must be SWAP, History, International Studies or Political Science majors in good academic standing.

2. Grade Point Average

• Must maintain a cumulative GPA of a 3.0 or higher at the time of application.

• Must earn a grade of B or higher for the graduate course to meet graduate course requirements.

3. Prerequisite Coursework

• Must have completed foundational coursework in the major: History, International Studies, Political Science or SWAP as determined by their faculty advisor

4. Online Learning Commitment

• Must commit to full participation in the online learning environment

• Must engage in all activities, discussions, and assignments

5. Application Requirements

Students must submit a complete application packet to the department including:

• Current official transcript showing 3.0 cumulative GPA

• Statement of purpose (500-750 words) articulating:

  • How the graduate course relates to their studies and career goals

  • Preparedness for graduate-level work

  • Specific interest in either GD510 or GD511

• Letter of recommendation from a faculty member in the major addressing the student's readiness for graduate work

• Written approval from undergraduate academic advisor

• Brief writing sample demonstrating analytical and research capabilities

6. Course Limitation

• Only one course (either GD510 or GD511) during their undergraduate career is permitted under this pathway

• The course must be taken during junior or senior year