Major
Why Should I Major in History?
Learning By Doing
If you major in history at Stetson University, you will have many opportunities to apply the skills you learn in doing history beyond the classroom. Internships for history students are available in summers and during the semester.
For example, in the summer of 1994 Diane Heritage, '95, received an internship with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and worked in the colonial apothecary shop; Thomas Lopez, '95, interned at The Navy Museum in Washington, D.C., which published and distributed two of his projects as WWII Fact Sheets; Barbara Berry, '96, spent a semester as a research collaborator with a journalist from the Christian Science Monito. Kristy Nelson, '96, interned in local history with the West Volusia Historical Society.
Other history students have had their research published as signed articles in the Modern Encyclopedia of Religions in Russia and the Soviet Union edited by Professor Steeves.
The required senior research project will help you broaden your knowledge of research techniques and explore your personal interests.
Scholarship Information
This project -- HistoryDegree.com/Scholarships<http://HistoryDegree.com/Scholarships> -- is a comprehensive database of scholarships for anyone interested in pursuing a degree in history. The directory filters scholarships by a variety of characteristics, ensuring students find ones that they are eligible for. This type of information is very valuable to today's students who are not only dealing with the competitive nature of higher education but also the rising costs associated with them.
Major
A major in history at Stetson University consists of 10 units in history courses. These courses include two in the history of civilizations or American history, which are usually taken in the freshman year (students may receive credit for these courses through exemption examinations, such as Advanced Placement). Each history major also takes a research seminar, usually in the second year.
An individualized senior research project in history (HIST 499) is required after for graduation. This project is usually conducted in the last semester before graduation.
In order to have variety and breadth in the study of history, a major's curriculum must include one course chosen from a list of courses designated as nonwestern history and one course chosen from a list of courses designated as premodern history. We encourage history majors to develop computer literacy; such technology is very useful in accomplishing many aspects of history, including project research.
History majors should consider a minor in international studies, Russian studies, business administration, or Latin American studies, particularly if their career goals include law school, government work or a position with private sector corporations.
Minor
A minor in history consists of four units of history courses, whereas one course must be in the history of civilizations.
Further Reading
For a list of requirements for the history major, please see the Stetson University Catalog.
Life After Stetson
A major in history at Stetson University, like any liberal arts program, can lead you into many career paths, depending upon you own skills and interests. In the study of history, you will learn more about your own identity as you meet people from other times and places through historical literature. You will confront fundamental questions of human existence as reflected in the experiences and challenges of people far removed from your own generation.
The skills you learn in history classes will provide you with the essentials for success in any profession you choose.
A wide range of vocational opportunities is open to history graduates because of the breadth of human experience encompassed by historical study. Many students who enjoy historical inquiry are drawn to such professional fields as the law, journalism, teaching, politics, museum and library work, or the religious ministry. Other history graduates may be found in such diverse areas as the military, the foreign service, corporate management, and banking.
The resources of Stetson University's Career Development office are available to assist you in setting specific career goals, and to help you develop the skills needed to implement these goals.
