History Department
The study of history provides knowledge vital to the creation of an educated citizenry. Without an understanding of the past, the present is incomprehensible. Studying the events of the past and the lives of our recent and remote ancestors allows you to see all that has shaped us and today鈥檚 world.
As a history major, you will learn the skills of analysis, interpretation, written communication, and critical thinking鈥攕kills highly valued in today鈥檚 marketplace. Our aim is to prepare you not only for your future career, but also to provide you the foundation for a lifetime of learning.
Whether you鈥檙e enrolled in the undergraduate program or the graduate program, our expert faculty will prepare you for your future鈥攂oth inside the classroom and outside through special opportunities such as internships and co-operative experiences and a wide variety of courses from ancient Greece and Rome, medieval and modern Europe, Colonial America, Latin America, Atlantic World, modern Asia, women鈥檚 history, African-American history, Cherokee history, Appalachian culture, and public history.
More 91女神 Our Undergraduate Programs in History
The history department is proud to offer three undergraduate degrees. Which path students choose depends on their particular interests and what their ultimate goals are. Advisors are able to help students determine which track makes the most sense for each individual.
Our students are incredibly involved in campus life. They participate in undergraduate
research conferences, weeklong exchanges with North Carolina A&T, organizing high
school essay contests, internships at local historic sites, and in department, university,
and statewide merit scholarships for social studies educators. Students have lots
of exposure to regional public schools and can work in local after-school and tutoring
programs.
Minors and Certificate Program
We also offer a , a minor in global black studies, and a certificate program in .
More 91女神 Our Graduate Program in History
At the graduate level, the History Department offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) in history with an emphasis in American, European, Public, or Cherokee history. The Master of Arts (MA) in History(American or European) degree program offers you a faculty of active scholars and excellent teachers in the supportive atmosphere of a small program.
Our graduate students also work with faculty as graduate assistants, maintain their own professional journal, present papers at conferences, and enjoy stimulating intellectual discussions both inside and outside the classroom.
We accept applications after the dates listed above, but those submitted beforehand receive priority consideration when it comes to assistantships and other funding opportunities.
Decisions will be made based on a holistic review of the applicant鈥檚 file with each of these criteria evaluated in conjunction with one another. For more information, go to the WCU graduate program , or contact the history graduate coordinator, Dr. Elizabeth McRae.
Program Tracks
This is a non-thesis degree designed for students who do not intend to continue graduate studies beyond the master鈥檚 level. It requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of approved coursework, including HIST 631 and 6 hours outside the student鈥檚 principal concentration.
Requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of approved course work, including: HIST 631 and 3 hours of thesis credit (HIST 699). Candidates must pass an oral examination in defense of the thesis.
Located near the center of the Cherokee world, WCU offers unique opportunities to study the historical and contemporary experience of the southeast's largest Native American nation, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Our Cherokee Studies track combines a US history Master of Arts (M.A.) degree with interdisciplinary coursework in anthropology, literature, linguistics, and other fields. Requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of approved coursework, including 3 hours of HIST 699 for those writing a thesis; HIST 631; 18-21 hours in American history courses; 9 hours in Cherokee Studies concentration or other courses approved by the graduate advisor.
This is an option designed to prepare students for entry-level positions related to public history. It requires the completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours of approved coursework, including: HIST 631 and 688; 9 hours selected from HIST 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, and 576; and 15 hours of guided electives exclusive of public history courses.