Overview

The study of history explores the basic forces that have shaped human affairs and is therefore a means for dealing with present concerns and future problems. An appreciation of our heritage develops a sense of our identity. Historical inquiry also provides the necessary background for the study of other disciplines such as economics, literature, art, language, and the social as well as natural sciences.

Students of history develop important critical skills that are the hallmark of educated people: the ability to reason and analyze; the capacity to investigate problems and synthesize diverse information; facility in expressing ideas or data clearly and precisely. The History Department encourages an open and questioning attitude toward the diversity of human experiences and ideas. An awareness of cultural differences between various groups of people will provide insights concerning the basic issues of world civilization. Students of history are encouraged to read analytically, speak cogently, and write coherently.

Both the curriculum and the methodology of the History Department are multifaceted. The History Department, therefore, requires that students take courses in both chronological and topical areas in United States and world history. The history faculty specializes in such diverse methodologies as quantitative analysis and social and political history, as well as the more traditional biographical and narrative approaches. Thus students are exposed to the many ways of studying the past and the present.

A degree in history prepares students for a variety of careers, including teaching, archival administration, business, journalism and communications, historical preservation, law, and public affairs. More importantly, by providing insight into the causes and effects of change in society, a knowledge of history prepares every individual for life in a complex world.

Admission to Department of History Degree Programs

There are no special requirements that prospective majors in the Department of History must fulfill beyond entering with a minimum 2.25 GPA. In order to graduate students must have a 2.0 GPA overall and in history courses. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the core requirement before enrolling in upper level history courses.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History

 It is strongly recommended that history majors complete the core requirements before enrolling in upper level history courses.

Note: Please see undergraduate advisor for up-to-date information on degree totals.

All history majors will design an appropriate course of upper level study in history in consultation with their advisor .

Bachelor of Arts Degree in History
(Pre-Law Option)

Note: It is recommended that History majors complete the core requirement before enrolling in upper level History courses. Students are strongly advised to complete HIST 3300 as early as possible, preferably in their first semester after having declared a History major. Students may not enroll in the capstone HIST 4395 course until they have successfully completed HIST 3300 with a "C" or better.

Note: Please see undergraduate advisor for up-to-date information on degree totals.

Teacher Certification

Students interested in Texas Teacher Certification at the elementary level should consult the College of Education section of this catalog for the most recent changes in requirements regarding admission to Teacher Education, completion of University programs in preparation for certification, and eligibility for certification after graduation. Students interested in secondary certification in social studies, including history, should see the History with Social Studies BA secondary certification plan below.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in History with Secondary Level Teacher Certification for Social Studies

Note: Please see undergraduate advisor for up-to-date information on degree totals.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in History with Secondary Level Teacher Certification for History

Note: Please see undergraduate advisor for up-to-date information on degree totals.

Oral Communication Competency

Students majoring in History demonstrate competency in oral communication by successfully completing HIST 3300. The department advisor must certify completion of this requirement.

Computer Use Competency

Students majoring in History demonstrate competency in computer use by successfully completing the sophomore level of a Foreign Language course when taken at UT Arlington. If you satisfy your language requirement otherwise, consult the advisor for ways to satisfy this computer competency requirement. The department advisor must certify completion of this requirement.

Minor in History

Eighteen (18) hours of History courses, at least six (6) of which must be 3000/4000 level classes

Minor in the History of Technology and Science

The Department's Minor in the History of Technology and Science (HoTS) provides students an opportunity to explore how technological development and scientific innovation have shaped societies, cultures, and institutions across time and place. While the Minor is open to all undergraduate students, those pursuing Majors in STEM-related disciplines will find it particularly valuable in advancing understanding of the historical origins and development of their vocational fields. Students fulfill the Minor requirements by successfully completing eighteen (18) hours of courses chosen from the list below. Although not required, the Department recommends that students include the three core curriculum courses HIST 1331, HIST 1332, and HIST 2377 as part of their program of study. When applicable, HIST 3395 Special Topics courses may be counted toward the Minor.

Minor in Military History

The Minor in Military History provides students an opportunity to undertake focused study of the origins, development, and influence of armed conflict in the human past. Students fulfill the program’s requirement by completing courses examining historical conflicts and/or military eras. Special Topics courses devoted to military subjects may be counted toward the Minor.

Geography Minor

Geography is the study of humanity’s interaction with the physical environment. Geographic conditions have had significant effects on history as interrelationships between place and human activities have changed over time. The study of geographic spatial relationships has a major role in general education because it offers both theoretical and practical foundations for understanding contemporary problems, particularly those related to the environment, modernization, and technological progress. Students earn the Geography Minor by completing eighteen (18) hours of courses (at least six of which must be 3000/4000 level classes) from the list below.

Certificate in the History of Technology and Science

The Department's undergraduate Certificate in the History of Technology and Science (HoTS) provides students an opportunity to explore how technological development and scientific innovation have shaped societies, cultures, and institutions across time and place. While the Certificate is open to all undergraduate students, those pursuing Majors in STEM-related disciplines will find it particularly valuable in advancing understanding of the historical origins and development of their vocational fields. Students fulfill the Minor requirements by successfully completing twelve (12) hours of courses chosen from the list below. Although not required, the Department recommends that students include the three core curriculum courses HIST 1331, HIST 1332, and HIST 2377 as part of their program of study. When applicable, HIST 3395 Special Topics courses may be counted toward the Minor.