Historians study the past to determine what has happened-and what has not happened. Through careful research and analysis, they endeavor to explain past human actions and events. Although the historical record remains fragmentary and incomplete, historians continue to uncover information and to integrate these discoveries into the unfolding historical narrative.

Some historians study the "big picture": broad subjects like the history of ancient China or modern Japan. Others have a much narrower focus: for example, the daily life of American farmers and workers living in the early years of the Republic. This type of "social history" informs us about the habits and customs of typical Americans: their work regimen, diets, personal hygiene (or lack thereof), their courting practices and formation of families, as well as the many virtues and vices prevalent among common folk at the time. In addition to social history, specialized fields of history include political and economic history, military and diplomatic history, and cultural and intellectual history.

The study of history provides a strong general background for many kinds of jobs. History courses are recommended in particular for those whose chief interests are government and politics, international relations, Asian studies, sociology, anthropology, economics, business and management, literature, philosophy, and library science.

History provides a solid foundation for those intending to work as lawyers, researchers, social scientists, archivists, curators, and teachers.

Some history departments are now training a new category of historians, “public historians,” who serve as researchers for law firms, private businesses, government agencies, museums, and historical societies.

For more information on career opportunities, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Peterson’s Job Opportunities, and other specialized guides to the job market.

American Historical Association
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Students may seek either an academic major or minor in history.

Major in History
The major in history provides students with skills in historical research and analysis, a chronological understanding of the past, and factual knowledge of specific historical periods. Study yields an appreciation of U.S. history as well as the histories of other peoples and cultures that enhances multicultural understanding in the workplace and in everyday society.

A major in history requires 33 credits in HIST courses. At least 17 credits must be in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or higher).

• First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)


LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)
WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)
MATH 107 College Algebra (3)
or MATH 106 or a higher-level math course
 

• Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)


• Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)


• Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)



• Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (43)



• Detailed Degree Description

Total credits for BA in History: 120

Minor in History
The history minor complements the skills the student gains in his or her major discipline by offering historical perspective and critical thinking and by developing an appreciation of the major contributions of various events and individuals to human civilization.

A minor in history requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in history. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses numbered 300 or above.

Employers and the military recognize a college degree as a major academic achievement. An associate or bachelor's degree from UMUC distinguishes you as a graduate of one of America's leading public universities.

UMUC participates in the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Degree Programs for Military Personnel, so you can complete your degree in Asia or at a future duty location.

Your UMUC degree may be closer than you realize. Learning acquired through military experience, examinations, and course work from other schools may be applied to your degree. UMUC may accept as many as 45 credits from these sources toward an associate degree and up to 90 credits toward a B.A. or B.S. degree.

A wide variety of online courses in computer studies and other fields are available through UMUC's distance education (DE) programs, and are helping many students make progress towards UMUC degrees. For lists of courses offered, visit the UMUC Asia DE Web site and click on “Schedule of Classes.”

Contact a UMUC Academic Advisor to arrange for an evaluation of your course work and experience to determine where you stand in your degree program.

1. Start by taking the required course sequence in American history:
   HIST 156 History of the United States to 1865 (3)
   HIST 157 History of the United States since 1865 (3)
   

 

2. Students must also choose a two-course sequence such as:
   HIST 141/142 Western Civilization I (3) and II (3)
   HIST 284/285 East Asian Civilization I (3) and II (3)
   Advanced courses in history are more detailed versions of these sequences of introductory courses.
   

 

3. Students pursuing a major in history should then take upper-level courses in all three of the geographical areas which are emphasized by University of Maryland University College: the history of the United States, Europe, or World Regions (6 credits in each geographic area).

 

4. Good writing and a broad appreciation of human civilization are important to students of history. Courses in English, philosophy, government and politics, anthropology, economics, sociology, psychology, and Asian studies will help fulfill your General Education Requirements while contributing to your understanding of human history.

UMUC Asia Academic Advisors are based at Yokota, Kadena, and Yongsan, and also travel frequently to most education centers. They advise students in person, by telephone, and by e-mail, and prepare evaluations of students’ academic progress. Your local UMUC Asia Field Representative can put you in touch with an Academic Advisor.

UMP-104 (4M 9/06)