History

Experiences in History

The bachelor of arts with history major develops students of history who demonstrate analytical skills, critical thinking, research skills, and who craft compelling arguments that are responsive to global contexts and founded on historical record. A variety of minor options are available including African American studies, peace and social justice, southwestern studies, women’s, gender, and sexuality studies, and international studies. The department also introduces students to the scholarly and professional skills in public history, including those applicable for careers in digital history, museums and archives, oral history, and cultural preservation with a particular strength in Texas music history. Finally, teacher certification options are also varied and include the choice of multiple teaching fields or a composite of history and social science. Students benefit from the department’s hosting of three academic centers: The Center for Texas Public History, The Center for Texas Music History, and the Center for the Study of the Southwest. Students may participate in faculty-led study abroad or Study in America trips, develop a professional community at association or networking events, or join dedicated student organizations for a well-rounded experience.

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First Year
- ADVANCE your academic journey
  
  Meet with a First Year Advisor and the the Department of History undergraduate advisor. to develop your academic planning.
  Visit TXST One Stop, BOSS, and the Department of History website for scholarship opportunities.
  Take advantage of the University Writing Center.
  Adopt your University Seminar US1100 learning as key for first year success.
- EXPAND your personal and social development
  
  Explore the TXST History Club and the events hosted by the History Department.
  Explore the courses, programs, and engagement opportunities available through the department’s affiliated programs, including the Texas Center for Public History, the Center for Texas Music History, and the Center for the Study of the Southwest.
  Build social networks by joining events and organizations through the Bobcat Organization Club.
  Attend the College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Research Expo to explore innovative student research.
- ELEVATE your career and professional life
  
  Attend an IDEA Center workshop to learn more about undergraduate research.
  Explore the TXST One Stop for more information about the scholarships provided to new and continuing students.
- ENRICH your practical competence
  
  Meet in office hours with a Department of History faculty member to learn more about academic and career paths.
  Develop and review your resume with Career Services.
  Create your Handshake profile.
  Complete your Career Assessments, such as Focus2.
  Create your LinkedIn profile and connect with colleagues and leaders.
Middle Years
- ADVANCE your academic journey
  
  Meet with a faculty mentor to select an undergraduate research opportunity.
  Meet with the Department of History undergraduate advisor.
  Visit the College of Liberal Arts Advising Center for guidance with successful degree completion, identifying resources, and help achieving academic, personal, and professional goals.
  Explore Campus Resources for academic and personal support.
  Share your knowledge as a Peer Mentor or Tutor at SLAC.
- EXPAND your personal and social development
  
  Join History Department student organizations to connect with like-minded peers and develop leadership in the field.
  Consider joining the Sigma Zeta Chapter of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society to connect with undergraduate and graduate students interested in history, to attend scholarly and professional development events, and for leadership opportunities.
  Consider Department of History study abroad programs led by faculty to learn while experiencing international contexts.
  Discover Global Online Learning Experiences for courses with culturally dynamic perspectives.
- ENRICH your practical competence
  
  Meet with a faculty member in the Texas Center for Public History to learn more about courses in public history, podcasting, digital history, public history internships, and more.
  Meet with a history department faculty member to learn more about HIST 4387: The Historian's Craft: Methods and Research.
  Explore internship opportunities and get career guida nce with Career Services.
  Review micro internship opportunities for professional development in which you learn and earn.
- ELEVATE your career and professional life
  
  Consider enrolling in the Department of History’s undergraduate internship course.
  Students seeking a teaching certificate should explore student teaching and internship requirements and options with the department’s undergraduate advisor.
  Present your original research at research conferences hosted by Phi Alpha Theta, the College of Liberal Arts, the Center for the Study of the Southwest, and the IDEA Center.
  Publish your research with the TXST Undergraduate Research Journal.
  Prepare to ace your job interviews with Career Services or your academic department.
Last Years
- ADVANCE your academic journey
  
  Check your Degree Audit & meet with the Department of History undergraduate advisor.
  Complete a capstone project related to major in HIST 4399. Meet with the Department of History undergraduate advisor to choose the HIST 4399 section that is best for you.
  Create and update a digital portfolio of academic work and experiences.
  Explore next steps with a Department of History faculty member including potential graduate programs.
- EXPAND your personal and social development
  
  Organize events with the TXST History Club.
  Serve as an officer in the Sigma Zeta Chapter of the Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society.
  Attend a Student Government Senate meeting to contribute to your fellow students and your own student experience.
  Seek out a leadership role with the Leadership & Service.
- ENRICH your practical competence
  
  Attend a conference related to your major (get recommendations from a faculty member) or your student organization.
  Join a professional organization in your major or passion. Explore which one is right for you with a history department faculty member.
  Learn about Global Career Accelerator options that give you experience with global companies and in-demand tech skills.
- ELEVATE your career and professional life
  
  Present your original research at research conferences hosted by Phi Alpha Theta, the College of Liberal Arts, the Center for the Study of the Southwest, and the IDEA Center.
  Students seeking Teacher Certification complete student teaching or a teaching internship.
  Identify faculty and professional references.
  Complete your First Destination Survey to share your post-graduation plans.

Career Opportunities

Educator
Management in business, science, and the arts
Legal profession
Administrator in business, non-profits, and public agencies
Protective services
Business operations

Financial services
Community and social services
Urban and regional planners
Information and communications technology
Ethical technology development (AI & emerging technology)
Media

Arts, design, sports, and entertainment
Museum, archive, and library sciences
Museum educator
History site administrator
Corporate historian
Public policy analysis
Legislative analysis