Students who wish to major in History do so because they understand that the problems of the present are fundamentally rooted in the choices made by past peoples. History majors, therefore, do not memorize names and dates. Instead, they are detectives, busily scrutinizing and actively interpreting the historical record for a deeper understanding as to why the world looks as it does and how our society might be improved. And in doing so, history majors acquire a number of practical skills that many different employers look for in job candidates. Our majors become experts in both written and oral self-expression, argumentation, and advocacy. In addition, history majors acquire the skills necessary to conduct thorough research, assess evidence, and effectively present one’s findings. It is no wonder, then, that historians succeed in the fields of education, law, law enforcement, public service, consulting, and business, among many other careers. In today’s global economy, there is persistent demand for job candidates familiar with diverse cultures and points of view. History majors, who take courses specializing in countries and regions around the world, are ideally positioned to succeed in such a job market. This is particularly true of majors who take advantage of our department’s numerous opportunities for study abroad.

The BS in History differs from the BA because students are generally not required to earn foreign language credit. Instead, they are asked to complete additional credit hours in a variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. BS degree candidates will be offered fairly wide latitude in selecting their STEM courses, but should consider enrolling in classes that align with their particular historical interests and prospective career paths. Many emerging fields in science, technology, and health are seeking employees who combine a working knowledge of STEM concepts with the enhanced analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills gained within history classrooms. A BS in History will help mold students who satisfy that growing demand.

Teacher Certification

Some history majors may wish to pursue a career in education at the middle-, or high-school levels. The History Department is proud to welcome and help train the future teachers of both Texas and the nation. Students wishing to meet certification requirements to teach history or social studies in the secondary schools of Texas should contact the College of Education and Human Development for more complete information about the certification options available at Texas A&M University. To be eligible for these options, students must also consult with, and have approval of, their field advisor in the Department of History.

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Students are encouraged to select from a wide variety of STEM-related courses, and might consider classes that align with their particular interests in history. Please see the HIST academic advisor for a list of science and engineering courses that can be used to fulfill this requirement.

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At least 12 hours at the 300- and 400-level. At least 3 hours of pre-modern history and at least 3 hours from three of the five lists (United States; Europe; Latin America and Caribbean; Africa, Asia and the Middle East; Thematic).

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Select any 100-499 course not used elsewhere. (except ASCC 100-499; HIST 100-299,) Up 12 hours of HIST 300-499 may be used for this requirement.

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Writing-intensive course.

Graduation requirements include 3 hours of International and Cultural Diversity courses and 3 hours of Cultural Discourse courses. A course satisfying a Core category, a college/department requirement, or a free elective can be used to satisfy this requirement. The required 6 hours may be met by courses satisfying other areas of a degree program. See your academic advisor for further information.

Students should plan a program of study in consultation with one of the department’s undergraduate advisors.

A minimum of 33 hours in history may be applied to the degree. Students must take not less than 15 credit hours at upper level for history residency requirement. A grade of C or higher is required for a course to be counted in the major field. A student must complete not less than 18 hours of coursework in history at Texas A&M University.

Minor Field of Study

All history majors are encouraged to select a minor field of study from departments or divisions within or outside of the College of Arts and Sciences or in a particular area of interest (as in the case of interdisciplinary minors or career opportunity minors). The minor will consist of a minimum of 15 hours of coursework, as defined by the minor department. A grade of C or higher is required for a course to be counted in the minor field. Interdisciplinary minors such as Women’s and Gender Studies, Africana Studies, Classical Studies, Religious Studies, Film Studies, Latina/o and Mexican American Studies, and Business have specific requirements; students should consult undergraduate advisors in these areas of study. A second major may substitute for the minor. Courses used to meet the minor requirements may not be used in the major. See also the statement on “Minor Field of Study” under the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences.