The study of history is intended to promote a responsible and informed citizenship, a heightened understanding of the human experience, and an appreciation of the achievements and variety of humankind. It also promotes career training. Indeed, the study of history is perhaps as valuable for the skills it helps to develop as for the information it imparts. History is an exacting discipline that fosters intellectual curiosity, analytical thought, research skills, ability to collect and analyze large amounts of data, clarity of expression, and disciplined work habits — qualities that are central to careers in academic, professional, public, business, government, non-profit, and service areas.
Surveys of history graduates indicate that history majors have built careers in a variety of professional areas. A large number are teachers at high schools, community colleges, colleges, and universities. Many are lawyers. A considerable number are stockbrokers, bankers, military officers, public servants, librarians and directors of libraries, archivists, museum professionals and even medical doctors. History majors can enter all these professions because their academic discipline fosters the writing, thinking, research, and analytical skills that make them marketable in a variety of professions.
History (Licensure in Social Studies) BA Degree Requirements (122 hours)
History (Licensure in Social Studies) BA Semester Guide
Availability: Hattiesburg Campus and Gulf Park Campus
Admission Requirements: See University Admission Policies
Program Academic Policies and Requirements:
- See University Academic Policies and Requirements
- A minimum grade of C is required in all general education, major, and teacher education courses. A minimum grade of C is required in each history course.
- Students with an ACT score of 21 or higher (SAT equivalent is 860) will be exempted from the PRAXIS I. The Social Studies Content and Principles of Teaching and Learning sections of the PRAXIS must be taken no later than the semester before student teaching and students must pass those exams to graduate.
Study Abroad: The history program values international study and offers a variety of stimulating and academically challenging summer credit abroad courses in several foreign countries (HIS 495 , HIS 496 , HIS 497 , HIS 498 and HIS 499 ). Students are encouraged to enroll in these programs and may apply up to 12 hours of credit toward major requirements (but no more than six hours of credit in any area of course concentration). To facilitate study abroad, the school annually (funds permitting) awards a scholarship to a deserving student for any Southern Miss summer abroad history course. Eligibility and application details are available through the School of Humanities.
