Advising

Undergraduate

As of fall 2009, the History Department is starting a new advising program. The department has recently developed a new advising plan. Rather than having one person do all of the advising, we will now have all the faculty advise. From a student perspective, this means that a student will not be sharing an adviser with 400 other History students.

In order to be assigned an advisor, go to the main History Department office, Colbourn Hall, Room 551 or e-mail History@mail.ucf.edu. When you meet with your new adviser, please bring a copy of your degree audit.

FAQ

• Does the History Department allow for non-History classes to substitute for History electives?

  No. Because the History major requires only 12 classes, we do not allow substitutions from other disciplines regardless of the course title. These courses can, of course, serve as electives outside of the major.

• What is the foreign language requirement?

  The History degree is a Bachelor of Arts degree. At UCF, all B.A. students are required to have a foreign language proficiency equivalent to two semesters of a language. The most common way students meet this requirement is to take two semesters of a foreign language. The College of Arts and Humanities does not allow American Sign Language to count for this requirement.

• Where can I get an override for a History class?

  The History Department does not provide overrides into full classes. Please consult the instructor of record for the class if you desire an override.

• What is the breakdown between lower and upper-level history classes?

  The History Department never counts more than 4 lower level (2000-level) history courses for the major. With permission, however, we will allow you to take fewer than 4 lower level courses.

• What is the portfolio requirement?

  All History majors are required to turn in a portfolio during the semester they intend to graduate. This portfolio should contain 8-12 examples of graded, written work (research papers, book reviews, essay exams, etc.) from UCF History classes. It should also include any research paper/project completed for HIS4150. Please submit your portfolios to the main History office (551 Colbourn Hall).

• What courses do I have to take to graduate with a History, B.A.?

  While the degree audit and the undergraduate catalog have the full list of requirements, the History Department ahs created a useful advising packet with a checklist. See history.cah.ucf.edu/files/advising_packet.pdf

Graduate

For questions regarding the graduate history program contact Peter Larson, Director of Graduate Programs.

FAQ

• Where should I go to seek advising for graduate history classes?

  If you are seeking advising for the history major then contact Peter Larson

• Where can I get information and advising for the graduate Public History Program?

  For information and advising related to the public history program contact Rose Beiler

Opportunities in the Field

• Why should I go to a graduate program in history?

  First of all, teaching young adults either in college or in community schools requires a graduate degree. In some fields, a graduate degree is a basic standard. The standard requirement for managerial positions in museums, historical associations and archives is a graduate degree in history or other relevant fields. Many organizations provide a better salary to an employee who has a graduate degree. If you are considering continuing towards a doctorate, the master's program will prepare you to meet the standards of major research universities.

• What kinds of skills will I obtain from studying history?

  History provides you with all the benefits of a liberal arts degree. Liberal arts education emphasizes critical thinking and builds skills which can be applied to a multitude of careers. First, a degree in history will show to a potential employer that you have the confidence, skills, and maturity to earn a graduate college degree. It will suggest that you have studied and adapted to a variety of topics rather than focusing on a narrow skills area. It will also show that you are able to think more globally than many other job applicants.

• But, what practical skills can I gain with a history degree that I can apply to a job and that I can mention in my resume?

  You can enhance the applicability of history for your career preparation if you take advantage of many opportunities offered at UCF. Building on your graduate teaching and research assistantship, you may gain experience in formal and non-classroom education. Talking to your teachers about your areas of interest can help you focus on topics relevant to your future career. Depending on your concentration, you can obtain knowledge in areas such as women's studies, Russian studies, and public presentation. You will develop awareness on issues of ethics, copyright laws and freedom of information. Having completed your degree will show that you can:

  • work independently
  • research, evaluate, and synthesize large amounts of information
  • write convincing reports
  • make oral presentations
  
  

  You will also have knowledge of a second language. History is about making connections. It requires analysis, perceptiveness, and accuracy. All of these skills are appreciated in the professional job market.

• What are some specific examples of occupations pursued by history graduates?

  Most history graduates are teachers in public and private schools, in universities, and in training programs. Other historians work as interpreters or educators in museums, libraries, national parks and historical sites. These roles require an understanding of history and culture, making public presentations, and a strong ability to communicate academic knowledge in an engaging way. Teachers also need to adapt material to different levels of student ability. They need to be able to assist others in developing critical thinking skills.

  Other opportunities exist as interviewers, surveyors, and research assistants in businesses, documentary projects, film and TV productions, education and public policy programs. Some historians might work for not-for-profit organizations in advocacy roles.

  Historians are a majority among curators, collection managers and archivists. They collect, study, and interpret unpublished documents, photographs and three-dimensional objects. This occupation requires an understanding of the historical context in which the records were created, the uses for which they were intended, their relationships to other sources, and their possible research use. They work in museums, archives, libraries and historical associations.