Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
History
Overview
Studying history is a fundamental way to understand the world in which you live. It also enhances your reading, writing, and thinking skills—skills that have limitless application no matter what career you pursue. At Barton, majoring in history offers a wide range of learning opportunities that will provide a thorough understanding of American, Western, and World History—from traditional classroom instruction to hands-on experience in area museums to travel courses that take you around the world.
Special Features
The department supports the annual BB&T Lectureship in American History, a program that brings noted scholars to campus.
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Course Information
As a history major, you must take survey courses in American and World History as well as a course in historical methods. Popular upper-level courses include the Civil War and Reconstruction; World War II; The Holocaust; and Methods, Revisions, and Lies in American History.
Other requirements include a substantial research paper in an upper-level course and one year of a modern foreign language. Students are also encouraged to complete an internship.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Two scholarships—the Brewer Scholarship and the MacLean Scholarship—are available to history majors.
Internships
Our students have received internships at:
- Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, VA
- Wilson Public Library, Wilson, NC
- Charles B. Aycock Birthplace, Fremont, N.C.
- Country Doctor Museum, Bailey, N.C.
- Tobacco Farm Life Museum, Kenly, N.C.
In many cases, internships like these lead to a career. One recent graduate became director of a local museum only a few years after beginning work at the facility as an intern.
Career Opportunities
Many historians today work in “public history,” serving as experts at museums and other historical sites; but a degree in history also prepares you for careers in:
- Education
- Law
- Government
- Journalism
- Private business
Barton’s close proximity to some of the nation’s best graduate programs in history also offers possibilities for further study.
Clubs and Organizations
Barton’s history majors can engage in additional exploration in the History Club.