Delta State University’s B.A. in History is for students seeking a broad understanding of the major events, themes, and developments of American, European, and world history. Students develop an understanding of historiography and the historian’s craft which includes the ability to think critically, write persuasively, and analyze historically. Our graduates gain cross cultural and interdisciplinary perspectives about the past as well as current events. Whether pursuing post-graduate work in history, other social sciences or humanities, education, or law school, the B.A. in History helps to prepare students for their professional training.
Student-Faculty Ratio
Program-Specific Scholarships
Areas of History are Studied
Why Choose History at DSU?
The History Faculty represents a wide array of research and methodological backgrounds. All history students conduct original research, which utilizes analysis of primary and secondary sources. Thanks to our small class sizes, students are able to work closely with faculty both in the classroom and on individual research projects. Each faculty member has their own specialties that will help you not only find and explore your historical niche, but allow you to gain invaluable skills that can help you in whatever career path you choose. Our history faculty is excited to help you begin your journey towards completing your degree.
- Applications accepted year round
- Wide variety of elective courses
- Student research projects
- Diverse specialties from faculty
”The history program builds upon students’ personal and professional goals, with hands-on faculty support. I am now more confident having been prepared to work in a variety of areas. The life lessons are arguably the greatest part of the program.
Garren Barnes, History majorClass of 2024
What Can I Do With a B.A. Degree in History?
At Delta State University, the Bachelor’s program in History aims to prepare students for a variety of fields by supplying them with the critical thinking and writing skills to go into many different areas. Our classes prepare students for any field they choose post graduating. Some options include:
- Archivist
- Librarian
- Historian
- Museum curator/director
- Genealogist
- History teacher
- Government official
- Attorney
- Paralegal
- Journalist
- Biographer
- Foreign service officer
History Scholarships
The Division of Social Sciences and History and its alumni recognize that higher education can be a hard burden financially on young students. This is why we are offer 9 scholarships and awards to our students every year. For students interested in pursuing a major in History, there are several scholarship opportunities available through the division. These scholarships are typically based on academic achievement or financial need. Students may also be eligible for non-program specific scholarship opportunities.
Program Goals
The goal of the Bachelor’s program in History at DSU is to help students achieve an understanding of world and U.S. history through the study of both major and minor historical events. To achieve this understanding, students will learn how to think and write both critically and persuasively, learn about the evolution of historical inquiry and practice, and conduct their own personal research projects. Each class within our program aims to help move our students closer towards these goals, while also allowing them to foster their own historical interests.
Admission Requirements
Applicants of this program must meet Delta State University’s undergraduate admission requirements.
There are no additional program admission requirements.
Curriculum
The following courses are required to complete the major in History.
History (Major)
Course Number and Course Title | Credits | |
General | Select one of the following groups: HIS 101: History of Civilization to 1648, and HIS 102: History of Civilization, 1648-Present HIS 103: World History to 1500, and HIS 104: World History 1500 to Present |
6 |
HIS 400: Historiography and the Philosophy of History | 3 | |
Select 12 hours at the 300-level | 12 | |
U.S. History | Select one of the following: HIS 301: The Atlantic World to 1763 HIS 302: The American Revolution HIS 303: The Age of Jefferson and Jackson HIS 305: The American South to 1865 HIS 306: The American South Since 1865 HIS 307: History of American Conquest HIS 309: Native American History HIS 310: Religion in United States History HIS 311: The History of Mississippi HIS 312: The Civil Right Movement HIS 313: Sports and The American Experience HIS 314: African American History HIS 315: Free People of Color in the Americas, 1619-1865 |
|
European History | Select one of the following: HIS 301: The Atlantic World to 1763 HIS 320: Medieval Heroes and Villains HIS 322: The Crusades HIS 324: Medieval Conquest/Colonization HIS 325: The Great Plague and Late Medieval Society HIS 330: World War II HIS 331: Nazi Germany HIS 332: The Holocaust HIS 333: The History of Russia |
|
World History | Select one of the following: HIS 301: The Atlantic World to 1763 HIS 321: Early Islamic Civilization HIS 322: The Crusades HIS 323: The Byzantine Empire HIS 333: The History of Russia HIS 334: Modern Japan HIS 338: History of Africa, 1800-Present HIS 340: The Contemporary World, 1945-Present |
|
Elective | Select a 300-level elective course in HIS | |
Select 9 hours at the 400-level | 9 | |
U.S. History Seminar | Select one of the following: HIS 412: Seminar in Early American History HIS 413: Seminar in Modern U.S. History |
|
European or World Seminar | Select one of the following: HIS 414: Seminar in Medieval History HIS 415: Seminar in Modern European History HIS 417: Seminar in Modern World History |
|
Elective | Select one of the following: HIS 409: Modern Archival Management HIS 412: Seminar in Early American History HIS 413: Seminar in Modern U.S. History HIS 414: Seminar in Medieval History HIS 415: Seminar in Modern European History HIS 417: Seminar in Modern World History |
|
– | HIS 498: Individual Research and Writing | 3 |
TOTAL | 33 |
Degree Requirements
To earn this degree, you must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including your general education requirements and the major requirements below. No grade below C in a required major course or special degree requirements may be applied toward graduation. Any grade below C must be removed by repeating the course and earning a C or better grade.
General Education | 38-41 |
University Requirement | 1 |
Special Degree Requirements | 18-24 |
Major | 33 |
Electives | 21-30 |
TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS | 120 |
For more information on degree requirements and specifics on courses needed to complete the degree, consult the Undergraduate Academic Catalog. For a semester-by-semester breakdown on how you can complete this degree in 4-years, visit academic maps.