Associate Degree Program in History: Information and Program Overview
Majors Overview April 13, 2013History is a broad field that encompasses the holistic study of civilizations and how they influence and evolve each other. History is generally interwoven with analogous disciplines including economics, political science, and geography. Students can earn their A.A. (Associate of Arts) degree in History within two years at a community college.
A.A. in History
Associate of Arts programs in history usually includes core topics relating to both the study of world civilizations and U.S. history. Students will learn how to analyze specific historical events from religious, cultural, political, and economic perspectives in order to understand basic historical movements, eras, and trends. Individuals also learn how to perform general historical research using secondary and primary sources.
Particular concepts discussed can involve globalization, scientific progress, and the Industrial Revolution. Accordingly, curriculum can be divided up to correspond to specific historical periods, including the United States Civil War and Reconstruction or antiquity. Programs can also concentrate on the history of a particular cultural group including African-Americans or Mexican-Americans, or of a particular country such as France. Students are required to complete a capstone project to further refine these skills in some programs.
Education Requirements
Typically, these programs require applicants to possess either a general educational development (GED) certificate or high school diploma. Some colleges and universities offer an open admission policy where all adults aged seventeen or eighteen and older are accepted to study, regardless of whether or not a GED certificate or high school diploma has been earned.
Program Course Topics
A majority of history programs require a set of basic survey courses, each of which covers different global history or centuries of the United States. Advanced topics can concentrate on specific wars and military history. Basic academic requirements can cover topics in math, psychology, natural sciences, and communication. The history program coursework can include topics such as:
•World War I and World War II
•Vietnam War
•United States history after the Civil War
•United States history before 1865
•French history
•Civilizations before the 16th century
•Ancient world history
•American military history
Career Options
Students who have earned an Associate of Arts degree in History can pursue careers in academia or industries such as politics, law, or publishing. However, the majority of these careers require professional training or additional degrees. Job titles may include:
•Foreign service officer
•Congressional aide
•Journalist
•Archivist
•Teacher
•Historian
Information on Continuing Education
A majority of Associate of Arts degree programs are created, so students can transition to an undergraduate degree program in humanities or history. Post-baccalaureate study options include Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Master of Arts (M.A.) degree programs in history.
