Bachelor of Arts in History
Department
Department of History and Political Science
College
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Overview of the program
The BA in History prepares students for careers in (1) history, law, and other disciplines that require knowledge of how the past affects the present and future and (2) a wide variety of fields that utilize creativity, critical thinking, professional reading and writing skills, and—very importantly—the ability to adapt and continue learning in a rapidly changing world. A history degree teaches students to read intelligently, think analytically, write clearly, accurately assess past trends, rationally predict future developments, and understand the real world. Thus, it is preparation for virtually any job!
The BA in History requires 121-122 credit hours, provides a strong liberal arts base (arts, communication, English, foreign language, math, philosophy, science, social science) and requires 36 major hours, with surveys in American History and Western Civilization, plus electives chosen from a broad spectrum of advanced courses in American, Asian, British, European, Latin American, Southern, Louisiana, Crime, Intellectual, Military, and Public History.
History majors may earn minors within the department in African-American Studies, International Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, and Public History. Each minor requires 18 hours. Multiple minors are possible.
Qualified History majors may elect to pursue the Honors Diploma in History or any of the other Honors Program curriculum paths.
The department offers courses in several Study Abroad programs in Europe and Latin America.
Strengths of the program
- The Department of History and Political Science has 25 full-time faculty members and over 400 majors. Faculty have won awards for excellence in teaching, research, and service; produced a host of scholarly publications, many of which have attracted an international readership; and held important offices in professional organizations.
- The Department is closely affiliated with the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies, the Florida Parishes Social Science Research Center, and the Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station.
- The Department sponsors the 'Then and Now' Fanfare History and Politics Lecture Series and other events during Fanfare, a month-long celebration of the Arts, Humanities, and Sciences held annually at Southeastern in October, and the Black History and Politics Lecture Series, part of the University's annual observance of Black History Month in February.
- The Department co-sponsors Women's History Month in March; the Arts and Sciences Colloquium in April; the Matheny Lectures on Science and Religion in April; the Deep Delta Civil War Symposium in June; and the annual James. H. Morrison Lecture on Politics and Government.
- The Department currently administers a $1 million U.S. Department of Education Teaching American History Grant for improving the quality of Social Studies teachers in a fourteen-parish area.
- The Department hosts the Region VIII Social Studies Fair in March.
Preparing for a job in the program
The Bachelor of Arts in History teaches students to read intelligently, think analytically, write clearly, accurately assess past trends, rationally predict future developments, and understand the real world. Good preparation at the high-school level should include courses in American history, world history, civics, and geography; four years of English, math, and science; a foreign language; and as much reading and writing as possible!
Careers in the program
- Archives
- Business
- Communication
- Diplomacy
- Genealogy
- Government
- Historian
- Historical fiction
- Historical parks
- Intelligence
- Journalism
- Law
- Military
- Movies
- Museums
- Politics
- Preservation
- Professor
- Public relations
- Publishing
- Radio
- Re-enacting
- Research
- Restoration
- Schoolteacher
- Television
- Tourism
- Many others!
Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)
$32,000 and above
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
- History Club
- Phi Alpha Theta (History Honor Society)
Related fields that might interest you
- Anthropology
- Communication
- Economics
- English
- Foreign languages and literatures
- Geography
- Political science
- Psychology
- Sociology
How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program
Helpful qualities for history majors include a desire to understand how history works and how the study of history relates to present-day concerns, as well as the love for reading, studying, and watching films about history.
Notable Alumni
Wayne Brumfield, Vice-President for Student Affairs, University of Louisiana at Monroe
Reginald Span, Ph.D. Candidate, Tulane University
Contact Information
Department of History and Political Science
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
SLU 10895
Hammond, LA 70402
On Campus: Fayard Hall, Room 335
Telephone: 985-549-2109
Fax: 985-549-2012
E-mail: hips@selu.edu
