Bachelor of Arts in History

The Program
The Department of History offers a 124 credit hour B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) degree, which includes 39 credit hours in History. The Department offers courses covering a broad range of topics with general, cultural and educational value. The B.A. in History introduces the students to the full spectrum, development and inter-connection of civilizations in all parts of the world, so that they may participate intelligently in the public life of a democracy which has global responsibilities. Students may choose an emphasis on American, European or World History. The B.A. in History program promotes excellence in expository and narrative writing, scholarly research, and such essential skills as analysis, synthesis and interpretation of historical evidence. This degree also advances students toward a variety of professional careers.  In particular, the B.A. in history provides an excellent background for those students wishing to go on to law school.

The B.A. in History may be combined with a minor, such as the inter-disciplinary minor in African-American Studies (21 credit hours), Women and Gender Studies or a specific History or non-history minor (18 credit hours) in a number of areas such as English, Journalism, or Political Science.

Resources
The Department of History enjoys the services of a superbly trained, very experienced, thoroughly professional, well-published, and diverse faculty. Several members of the faculty have extensive international experience through study, teaching, lecturing and travel. The mission of the faculty is to train students to become thoroughly familiar with the pedagogical, scholarly and publishing dimensions of the historical profession. Students benefit from conscientious advising, low student-to-faculty ratio, direct access to advisors and professors, and a pervasive collegial and courteous environment.

The classrooms, as well as the departmental, faculty and adjunct-faculty offices are readily accessible. The University provides an e-mail and dial-in account, which allows direct access to the internet and various resources, such as the Dean B. Ellis Library's on-line catalog and databases.  Our classrooms offer computer assisted learning environments.  The department has just added a new, state-of-the-art digital video lab for documentary making and students will have access to an in-department computer lab for both in-class and out-of-class use.

Career Opportunities
A B.A. degree in History offers a variety of possibilities both for further studies and professional goals. It is highly recommended for those seeking a well-founded background in the humanities. It prepares the student for graduate studies in History for a potential career in higher education (university or community college). It also provides excellent training for further studies in such fields as law, journalism, theology, library education, museum and archives; in local, state, and national public service; in business, where a knowledge of domestic and foreign affairs is desirable; and in many other areas which require well-developed critical faculties and general understanding of human activity and concerns.

Financial Support
Students may apply for various University scholarships and financial support. The Department of History also grants annually several modest scholarships for meritorious B.A. degree candidates.

Additional Information

For additional information, contact the B.A. advisor.  Alternatively, you can contact the main office:


Department of History
P.O. Drawer 1690
State University, AR 72467
Phone: 870/972-3046 Fax: 870/972-2880