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Location: 200 Archer Building, Phone: (409) 880-8511

Chair: John W. Storey
Chair E-mail: john.storey@lamar.edu 

Mission Statement

It is the purpose of the Department of History to impart a knowledge and understanding of the past to the students enrolled in the university. This objective is based upon the belief that such knowledge and understanding improve the quality of life of individuals and contribute to the welfare of our society. The department seeks to accomplish this objective through a program of continued study and research by its members and its students. Research interests of the department encompass the world.

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Arts in History – 120 hours
Minor in History – 18 hours
Teacher Certification in History 8-12

Bachelor of Arts in History 

The degree of Bachelor of Arts in History will be awarded upon the completion of the following requirements:

1. General Requirements:
   See Philosophy of Knowledge Core Curriculum, section 6.1.4. In addition, students must complete a foreign language, which substitutes for the communication requirement in the core, and 3 semester hours in literature.
2. Major:
   HIST 3321, 3322 - World History — six semester hours.
   HIST 1301, 1302 - American History Surveys — six semester hours.
   HIST 3390 - Historical Research — three semester hours.
   Advanced United States History — six semester hours (4000 level).
   Advanced World (Non-United States) History — six semester hours (4000 level).
3. Minor:
   An approved minor of at least eighteen semester hours.
4. Electives:
   Sufficient approved electives to complete a total of 120 semester hours. Within the 120-semester-hour program there must be a minimum of at least 119 semester hours of courses that may not include physical activity courses, health and wellness courses, and intern program courses.

Minor in History

Students from other disciplines who wish to minor in history must complete 18 semester hours, consisting of 1301 and 1302, either 3321 or 3322, and 9 semester hours of any 4000 level courses. No grade below a “C” will be counted toward the minor.

Teacher Certification in History

Students wishing to secure the Bachelor of Arts degree in history may at the same time complete the curriculum requirements for a Texas teaching certificate—secondary, with a teaching field in history. There are two certification options, and for information concerning these programs the student should consult advisors in the Department of History.

Bachelor of Arts in History – Total Min. Hours: 120

Graduate Program

It is the purpose of the Department of History to impart a knowledge and understanding of the past to the students enrolled in the university. This objective is based upon the belief that such knowledge and understanding improves the quality of life for individuals and contributes to the welfare of our society. The Department seeks to accomplish this objective through a program of continued study and research by its members and students. Research interests of the department focus on both American and European history.

Admission Requirements
Applicants for the Master of Arts in History must meet all Graduate College entrance requirements. Their background in history must include two semesters of American History, two semesters of world or western civilization, one advanced course in each area and a course in historical research and writing. Students may be admitted and begin taking graduate courses while completing these requirements.

Degree Requirements

1. Thesis Option. The thesis option is strongly recommended for those who plan to continue graduate study beyond the masters. The thesis program requires completion of 24 semester hours of class-work; a minimum of 12 hours must be taken in Seminar, Readings or Directed Readings courses. The student may take 6 graduate hours (class or seminar) in a supporting (minor) field. Six additional hours credit will be given for completion of the thesis.
   Thesis students must also demonstrate a reading knowledge of one classical or modern foreign language. This requirement may be satisfied by completing the 2312 course in a language, OR by passing a nationally recognized standardized language proficiency test, OR by completing a reading project administered by the faculty of the Department of History.
2. Non-thesis Option. The non-thesis option is intended to provide a strong foundation in a wide range of historical areas and periods. It is designed for those who do not intend to seek a higher degree. Non-thesis students must complete 36 hours in history. A minimum of 18 hours must be in Seminar, Readings, or Directed Readings courses. The student may take six hours in an approved minor field. After completing their classwork, students must take a comprehensive examination which may be oral, written, or a combination of both. A foreign language is not required for the non-thesis Master of Arts in History.