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History and Government

The History and Government program has three essential purposes. First, it is designed to provide the student with insights into historical time periods of the nation and the world, with special emphasis upon political, social, economic, and technological changes. Secondly, it provides a strong background for graduate study in history and related fields, careers in government, services, and some areas of business, and positions with historical societies and museums. Thirdly, for students interested in attending law school, the program meets and exceeds the criteria for pre-law curricula established by the American Association of Law Schools.

Entrance Exam: All students entering the history program must take the departmental entrance exam. This exam is for assessment purposes only, no passing score is required.
Assessment Criteria: Students must successfully complete History 484 and an assessment examination to fulfill graduation requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to contact their advisor in the first two weeks of the final semester to register for the exam.

Program Learning Outcomes

In addition to the general learning outcomes listed elsewhere in the catalog, graduates of this program should be able to:

    • Demonstrate general knowledge of the facts, concepts, and approaches of history;
    • Critically analyze and assess primary sources;
    • Critically analyze and assess secondary sources;
    • Conduct original historical research and report results orally and in writing;
    • Produce historical essays that are coherent, grammatically correct, and use proper historical documentation.

Note: With approval of the advisor, restricted electives may be selected from the following disciplines: history, economics, political science, literature, sociology, business, philosophy, or psychology.

Various Minors

For information about minors offered in the College of Business, Humanities and Social Sciences, visit the minors section of our catalog