Axe ’Em, Jacks!
How to preserve the past for future use
The human story is a tangled narrative of events encompassing thousands of years, each thread of which is connected to countless others. A historian can trace those threads, understand their connections and explain their relevance to the present.
Through academic research, teaching and public history (archival and museum work, historic preservation, etc.), historians help us preserve our heritage and make sense of the modern world by reminding us of all that led up to where we are today. A degree in history from SFA teaches you observational, analytical and critical thinking skills that are necessary to put the pieces of the puzzle together in the right order to better understand the human condition.
Skills that will never collect dust
The skills of a good historian can be valuable far beyond the bounds of the classroom or the museum. Research, analysis and strong writing skills are highly valued in many other professional fields such as:
- business management
- diplomacy
- journalism
- law
- publishing, and
- theology.
Whether you use your training to preserve and transmit history directly or to make you a more productive professional in some other field, the tools you gain from a history education will never get rusty.
Learn history where history actually lives
Where better to study history than in the oldest town in Texas? A Spanish mission was first built in Nacogdoches in 1716, and evidence of Native American inhabitants in the area can be traced back almost 10,000 years!
SFA history students have opportunities to work and volunteer at numerous historical sites and museums in East Texas, gaining hands-on experience in public history and directly contributing to the preservation of our local heritage.
Undergraduate programs and requirements
Bachelor of Arts in history
Students will gain worldwide knowledge with an SFA history degree. This program’s coursework incorporates an expansive world history, and students have the option take in-depth courses over the history of specific regions ranging from ancient Greece to 20th century Russia.
Students should take a variety of advanced courses in both U.S. and non-U.S. fields. At least 12 hours of advanced history must be taken at SFA.
Consult your academic advisor for specific course selection, or visit the Undergraduate Bulletin for more information on history course offerings.
Minor in history
Students pursuing a minor in history will meet with their advisor to discuss a plan that incorporates their academic interests and goals. Students have the option of taking courses such as women’s history or the Middle Ages.
See the Undergraduate Bulletin to learn more about this program.