History - B.A.

The undergraduate program is designed to give students insight into the world in which they live and into the forces and events that have shaped and molded that world. In its broadest sense, the discipline of history provides the background for all other objects and disciplines. The classical goal of self-knowledge can be enhanced through the study of history. The analytical study of history provides an understanding of “why we are what we are” and “how we came to be where we are today.” The purpose of historical study is not only an understanding of our own past and present, but an appreciation of the evolution of other cultures, civilizations, and nations.  Students interested in careers in the fields of law, teaching, public service, international affairs, business, journalism, and a variety of other areas involving the social sciences and humanities will find the history major beneficial and rewarding.

The top ten things you should know about the History program:

  1. Our faculty have published over sixty books on a wide variety of topics
  2. Our student honor society, Phi Alpha Theta publishes The Vulcan Historical Review, a journal written and edited by students which has won several national awards
  3. Our department offers a number of study away opportunities

  4. All of our students are involved in research projects using primary sources
  5. Over a third of our MAs are accepted into PhD programs
  6. We offer courses in a variety of regions including US, European(German, French, Russian, British, Irish), Asian (Chinese, Japanese) and Latin America
  7. We offer topics courses in Popoular Culture, Military History, Women's History, Labor history, the Social History of Crime and Violence, The History of Medicine, Film History and Consitutional History
  8. We offer innovative course such as Reacting to the Past
  9. We offer the opporunity to earn an Honors Degree
  10. We actively encourage interaction between faculty and students in fora such as Undergraduate Day and Get to Know Your Professor dinners.

Students are strongly advised to refer to the 2008-2009 UAB Undergraduate Catalog for additional information on the core curriculum, major, and minor requirements. Direct any questions to the SBS Advising Office located in Heritage Hall 510, 975-0097.