The History Department at Sam Houston State University is one of the fastest growing on campus, owing in part to a dynamic faculty of nationally recognized experts. Departmental faculty include Excellence in Teaching Award winners and a Pulitzer Prize finalist; their dozens of books and articles have shaped the most important scholarly conversations in their fields. Situated in historic Huntsville, Sam Houston State is an excellent place to study the past. Our nationally ranked program, renowned for its flexibility and unique course offerings, is one of the nation’s top producers of History majors. The BA and BS in History degrees prepare students to learn about and critically analyze the past; to make and sustain historical arguments; and to gain an appreciation for the complexity, texture, and, diversity of human experiences. Studying the past lends context to the present and prepares us for the future.
The BA in History is available online and on campus. The BS in History is only available on campus.
Students who plan to teach secondary education in Texas should choose the Double Major: History/Education, BS program.
The BS degree is recommended for pre-medical students. For more information on the pre-medical program, contact the Office of Pre-Health Professional Advising.
Coursework
Students wishing to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in History are required to complete History coursework, a foreign language, and a minor. Teaching certification may also be attained with the BA degree. Students have a variety of areas and topics of study from which to choose, including U.S. History, Latin American History, European History, World History, Military History, African American History, and more. Small class sizes provide for individualized attention from our faculty of award-wining teachers and nationally recognized scholars. Unique course offerings study the past from multiple perspectives, amplifying historically marginalized voices.
Internships
Those interested in a public history or museum career have the option to explore internship and professional development opportunities through the department. SHSU hosts the Sam Houston Memorial Museum on its campus. Contact Professor Zachary Doleshal for more information.
Careers in History
A history degree prepares students to find, weigh, and interpret conflict evidence; to evaluate the merits of an argument; to advance original interpretations based on textual and non-textual evidence; to pose good questions of the past; to appreciate difference, change, and diversity; and to approach the present with humility, empathy, context, and understanding. As such, the degree equips students with the key skills necessary for a wide range of careers, including but not limited to:
- Education
- Law and Legal Professions
- Research and Institutional Analysis
- Documentary Editing
- Corporate Historian
- Contract Historian
- Archivist or Records Manager
- Curator or Museum Professional
Or continue your education with a graduate degree.
Program Breakdown
| Category | Degree Summary |
|---|---|
| Length | 120 Credit Hours |
| Required Courses | |
| Enrollment | Fall, Spring |
| Tuition/Costs | Rates Per Semester |
Undergraduate Application Deadlines
- Fall: August 1
- Spring: December 15
- Summer: May 15
