History
History
Why Study History?
History teaches students to understand the origins and transformations of diverse peoples and societies. It allows us to compare differences among societies and recognize what makes us all human. Examining the past provides insight into the present world in which we live and fosters good citizenship. Students prepare to interpret the complexities of our interconnected planet and develop practical skills in critical analysis, solid writing, research methods, oral presentation and the use of evidence.
What Will I Learn?
History course offerings are broad, but the curriculum is designed so that students may specialize in specific regions and time periods. There are opportunities to explore and develop skills in:
- Analytical, Research, Writing and Verbal skills
- World History
- The History of Human Interactions
- Histories of North America, Africa, and Europe
- Study of War and Society
- Study of the Gulf South
- Oral History & Cultural Heritage
- International Studies
- History Education
Students may receive college credit for internships in a variety of professional and public history settings. Licensure students will spend time in numerous Mississippi classrooms, working with mentor teachers, History faculty and area principals. Their final semester will be spent student teaching in an area school.
Learn more about our Public and Applied History Minor.
History was the founding department of the Undergraduate Research Symposium and our classes promote primary research skills. Our students have written Honors theses and presented at national academic conferences. The Social Studies Licensure program is designed to prepare students to teach in middle and high school, but it also develops the research, writing, and analytical skills necessary for law school, graduate school and other non-teaching career paths
History offers seven undergraduate History scholarships and awards based on both merit and financial need.
- Dr. John E. Gonzales Award
- Dr. John E. Gonzales Scholarship
- Dr. John E. Gonzales Study Abroad Scholarship
- Claude E. Fike Scholarship
- Dr. Kenneth G. McCarty History Scholarship
- Nolena Love Stephens Memorial Secondary Education History Licensure Scholarship
- Carroll Warren & Parker History Scholarship
Visit the USM Foundation for more information.
History faculty lead Study Abroad programs to England, Cuba, France and Vietnam.
Visit the Office of Study Abroad for more information.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Programs at the University of Southern Mississippi that prepare students for initial licensure as educators are designed to meet the licensure standards set by the Mississippi Department of Education.
Students seeking licensure in another state are advised to contact the appropriate licensing board in that state to determine specific requirements of guidelines for reciprocity. For information about professional licensure determinations made to comply with federal regulations requiring disclosures as to whether a program that is marketed or designed to lead to licensure or state certification leads to professional licensure or state certification, see the following:
General professional licensure/state certification information
https://www.usm.edu/professional-licensure-certification-disclosures/index.php
For questions regarding professional licensure, contact the program coordinator for your specific program. Program coordinators are grouped by college. To access the list click the 'Professional Licensure and Certification Boards by USM College' button at the top of the main Professional Licensure and Certification web page (https://www.usm.edu/professional-licensure-certification-disclosures/index.php).
For specific information, please contact Jennifer Wild (Jennifer.wildFREEMississippi).
Availability
| Degree Plan | Availability |
|---|---|
| History (Social Studies Education) BA | Gulf Park, Hattiesburg |
| History BA | Gulf Park, Hattiesburg |
| History Minor | |
| History and Music History Minor |
- Teaching (K-12 and University)
- Government and Politics
- Law and Criminal Justice
- Archives, Libraries, and Museums
- Business and Non-Profit Work
- Writing, Journalism, and Filmmaking
- Anna Leigh Todd, 2013
Graduate Student, University of Pennsylvania - Jerri Whitecotton
Teacher and Department Chair, Oak Grove High School
- Christopher Ellis III, 2018
Forrest County Agricultural High School - Collin Makamson, 2003
Museum Educator, National World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA
- Brooke Boisseau
Law School, University of Virginia