Undergraduate
All faculty in the History Department advise students.
In order to be assigned an advisor, go to the main History Department office, Colbourn Hall, Room 551, e-mail History@ucf.edu or call (407)-823-2225. When you meet with your new advisor, please bring a copy of your degree audit.
FAQ
- 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 has created a useful advising packet with a checklist. Click here to view the packet.
- 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. In other words, rather than taking 4 lower and 8 upper level courses, a student may take 3 and 9 or 2 and 10.
- Where can I get an override for a History class?
The History Department does not provide overrides into full classes. If you wish to get into a full class, you must use the wait list.
- 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 portfolio requirement?
All undergraduate History majors are required to enroll in HIS 4959 in the semester they intend to graduate. This zero-credit hour course guides students with turning in the required portfolio for graduation. This portfolio should contain 8-12 examples (the originals not copies) of graded, written work (research papers, book reviews, essay exams, etc.) from History classes. The portfolios will be used by the History Department in order to assess our program. If you have any questions regarding this requirement, contact Dr. Peter Larson.
- 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. For more information on this university requirement, please click here.
Graduate
For questions regarding the graduate history program contact Dr. Amelia Lyons, Director of Graduate Programs.
FAQ
- Where should I go to seek advising for graduate history classes?
If you are seeking advising for the History MA then contact Dr. Amelia Lyons.
- Where can I get information and advising for the graduate Public History Program?
For information and advising related to the public history program contact Dr. Scot French.
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.
