History

Degree: Bachelor of Arts


What is History?

Historians record and analyze past and current events of human activity so that we can better understand the present and guide our future. Some, like biographers and genealogists, focus on the events of individuals, while others may address activities of groups, whether social, ethnic, political, religious, or geographic. It is the historian's challenge not only to research the facts but also to present them in the spirit of the time they occured and in the ever-changing perspective of our own time. It is a task that requires knowledge in many areas, especially the other social sciences and the humanities.


What are the features of Miami's program?

Research and internships: Undergraduates have opportunities to work with faculty on their research or to have faculty guide them in their own work. In the university wide Summer Scholars Program, recent history student research included "Chicago Jazz in the 1920s," "Islamic Historiography," and "Changing Economic and Subsistence Strategies of Cherokee and Chickasaw Women."

Miami is increasingly stressing the importance of internships. The history faculty work with the Office of Career Services to find opportunities for students. For example, one history major recently served as an intern in the State Department's Office of Chemical and Nuclear Nonproliferation.

Faculty focus on teaching: While our professors are active writers and researchers, their first priority is teaching, as evidenced by these recent teaching awards: Ohio Academy of History Distinguished Teaching Award, Miami University Alumni Teacher Award, University Honors Program Professor of the Year, and College of Arts and Science Outstanding Educator Award.


Are there special admission requirements?

There are no additional admission requirements for this program.


What courses would I take?

In addition to Introduction to Historical Inquiry, you take required courses in American history, Western or European civilization, and world history, and a senior capstone. You also select electives representing a variety of subjects and approaches to history. Department offerings range from "Ancient Near East" to "Recent American History."


What can I do with this major?

The great majority of recent graduates have gone on to careers in business, law, government service, and journalism. Some of their titles are social studies teacher, public relations coordinator, research director, assistant bank manager, reference librarian, and legal assistant. Although most of these careers require graduate or some specialized undergraduate training, history students have the advantage of a broad, diversified undergraduate education in their applications for graduate and professional schools.

Increasingly, businesses are willing, even eager, to employ liberal arts graduates, who often have a stronger grasp of how society works and better communication skills than do more narrowly focused students.

Most professional historians are educators, holding advanced degrees, and many of our graduates continue their studies.


Who can I contact for more information?

For general information about Miami University, please contact:

Office of Admission
301 S. Campus Ave.
Miami University
Oxford, OH 45056-3434
513-529-2531 (v/t)
www.muohio.edu/requestinfo

For specific information on the History major, please contact:

Department of History
254 Upham Hall
Miami University
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-5121
www.muohio.edu/history