Why Major in History?
Isn't History irrelevant in a world of rapid technological and social change?
No. Historians are specialists in change. The study of history teaches us to appreciate how complex most situations really are. The historian comes to see how individual motives and perspectives combine with multiple influences in shaping the future. They appreciate how unpredictable the future may be, given unexpected and unintended consequences. In a changing world, the understanding of change is ever more relevant. History sharpens our hindsight, which must be clear if we expect to wisely judge current challenges and issues.
Are there jobs?
Yes. Most History majors won't become historians, but will take their sophisticated skills of analysis and judgment into a global marketplace. Employers know that History majors acquire the skills needed in a complex world. Our graduates know how to find information, how to organize many pieces of evidence, how to see the play of causes and interactions in events. Employers value their skills as writers. The best job education is not always in a narrow specialty, or even in an undergraduate business degree. Employers know that History majors have honed their critical thinking skills. Those skills are adaptable to a variety of contexts. That is the value of a broad education, and it is well-suited to an ever-changing world of business and technology. Our History graduates work in a huge variety of occupations. Here's what one of our graduates, the sales director for a European technology company, wrote us:
I am ever more aware, after a few years of work experience, that the History degree has played a strong role in all of the opportunities I have pursued to date. The disciplined application of research and communication skills (writing, discussion, and presentation) applied to big ideas, trends and events to formulate logical arguments is precisely the type of education that is needed to perform effectively in the workplace, particularly in new or rapidly evolving markets.
We do offer specialized education to become a high-school Social Studies teacher. For those who do wish to go on in the historical profession, we offer an excellent preparation for the best graduate schools.
What about post-graduate study, such as law school?
The History major is a traditional avenue into the law, government service, and teaching. The skills of critical reading and thinking are valuable assets, and law schools recognize it. It is not necessary to be a "pre-law" major. A diverse and critical education provides skills and understandings that early specialization cannot. It is also worth thinking about studying what you love. Interesting material, good professors, and individual attention can combine for an enjoyable experience, and a good GPA.
What does a major actually do as a student?
Of course the study of history isn't just about careers. History majors are people who are fascinated by the human condition. They are people of curiosity. They probably find themselves drawn to The History Channel over the latest game show. They love to read and ponder a past world different from our own. A History major gets the chance to discover some of the best histories ever written. They find out the difference between the movie version and scholarly interpretation. They learn to be critical and suspect the simple story, and expect to use evidence in their judgments. They get to discuss what happened and how we know it, in small classes with devoted professors. So yes, they read and write a lot. They take a variety of history courses, with a great deal of personal choice and flexibility in the curriculum.
At NC State, the History faculty are committed to the small classroom experience. They believe that each student needs the chance to speak. Students benefit from close attention to their writing. Small classes also are more fun. There is the chance to get to know the faculty more closely, to hear about their experiences all over the world, and to explore your own thoughts. Nearly half of the faculty are members of the Academy of Outstanding Teachers, and the department won the first university award for Excellence as a teaching department.
Finally, each advisor has a small number of students, for close individual attention.
What are the professors like?
Your professors once were students like you, who couldn't give up their fascination with history. Some had always wanted to be historians; others came to their studies after a start in engineering or science. They are caught up in the curiosities and complexities of the world. Best of all, they are devoted to sharing their discoveries with others. Because of that, students have the chance to get involved with historical research.
How do I transfer into being a History major?
Most of our students did not start as freshman History majors. That's okay, because the first year of studies focuses on General Education Requirements. We have students who came from engineering, the sciences, the First Year College, and other campuses.
