Degree Overview: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree in History
Majors Overview January 30, 2015Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree program in History are taught about cultures from around the world and how these cultures formed through various historical events, such as war, technology, art, and literacy.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree Programs in History
Coursework in a bachelor’s degree program in history includes religion, Greek and Roman civilizations, gender and sex, African studies, and Western civilization, among other subject areas. There is also an emphasis on the study of historical figures, such as world leaders, scientists, artists, and emperors.
Some schools offer history degrees with concentrations, where students are allowed to focus on particular eras, cultures, and regions. Students that wish to teach at the secondary or elementary level can complete a combination of teacher education programs and bachelor’s degree programs in history.
Coursework
The curriculum covers the history of worldwide modern and ancient civilizations. Apart from the early and middle ages, coursework covers modern Middle Eastern, Asian, European, and American cultures. Some core courses in European, American, and general world history may be featured, in addition to electives in a wide array of more specific subject areas. Subject areas covered in core coursework may include:
•The history of warfare
•Colonialism
•Treatment of minorities
•Russian history
•The Renaissance
Career Choices
Those that successfully graduate from a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History program can seek jobs in numerous fields, including research, politics, law, and education. They may opt for these career choices:
•Journalist
•Lawyer
•Tour guide
•Teacher
•Historian
•Politician
•Researcher/writer
Continuing Education Choices
Those that complete a bachelor’s degree and wish to become teachers would benefit from continuing education in the form of a graduate-level teacher education program. While some schools may insist on students holding bachelor’s degrees in history before allowing them to enter a teacher education program, other schools may allow them to study both programs. Those that aspire to a career in research or academia may opt to enroll in a doctoral program.
Membership in the Organization for American Historians or the American Historical Association, among other similar organizations, would serve history graduates favorably with attendant membership benefits, such as exhibits for professional growth, scholarly research, annual meetings, and job assistance.