The History program offers a broad spectrum of historical topics, including a strong focus on local and regional oral history. All courses teach students to formulate historical questions and to construct narratives and interpretations. Issues of diversity—including race, ethnicity, class and gender—are addressed in individual classes, as well as by the structure of the program, which requires that students take courses across three regional or global content categories.
History (BA)
History (BA)
About
History is the foundation of good citizenship and teaches skills that are applicable in a variety of professions. Historians investigate the many perspectives of past people and events, show us where we are and help us determine where we may be going. History majors have a deep understanding of the society in which they live. They critically analyze and interpret large amounts of information and come to informed judgments. SVSU History instructors are working historians with a strong focus on oral history, providing students with opportunities to work with faculty doing research on local, national and global history. If you are fascinated by history and want to seek opportunities in this field, the SVSU History program is your place to develop and strengthen skills in written and oral communication, collaborative work, critical thinking, research, analysis and content mastery—competencies in high-demand across a broad range of careers.
Cardinal Points
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The History Department has three prestigious endowed scholarship awards for history students.
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History students conduct research with faculty who are working historians, such as interviewing veterans and local, national and global history—opportunities that large history programs do not offer.
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Phi Alpha Theta, a national history honor society, helps history students apply to grad schools and present their research at conferences. Every year History students attend the regional Phi Alpha Theta conference.
Highlighted Courses
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Key Electives
Click here to see a listing of programs
Programs
Majors
Other
Complementary Minors/Majors
Beyond The Books
Get Involved
Socialize and engage with other History majors via The History Club and Phi Alpha Theta, a national honor society.
Study Abroad
Prepare for the many exciting opportunities to study abroad with the History program at SVSU.
Career Building Opportunities
Gain experience through internship opportunities—Frankenmuth Historical Society, Midland County Historical Society—and begin building your career before you earn your degree.
After Graduation
- 6 % projected growth for the employment of historians through 2033. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- $74,050 is the median yearly pay for historians in the U.S. in May 2024. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- 11 % projected growth for the employment of archivists, curators, and museum workers through 2033. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- $57,100 is the median yearly pay for archivists, curators, and museum workers in the U.S. in May 2024. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
With a Bachelor of Arts in History from SVSU, graduates refine research, writing, and analytical skills; preparing for careers in archives, museums, public history, education, cultural resource management, law, government service, and graduate study.
Our Students After Graduation...
Employers
Flint Children’s Museum
Frankenmuth Insurance
Education and Training Connection, Midland
Western Michigan University
Graduate Programs
University of Michigan
University of Chicago
University of Alabama
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
Colorado State University
Indiana University
Career Opportunities
Librarian
Museum Curator
College Instructor
Marketing Executive