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The study of history is required in most secondary and college curricula not only to acquaint students with the past but also to enable them to understand the present. At Northeastern, courses ranging from the dawn of humanity through contemporary times are designed to place the past in perspective and give it meaning. In addition to supporting the university's general education program, the Department of History prepares students entering teaching and non-teaching professions and provides courses for the baccalaureate program in Native American Studies and for the graduate program in American Studies.
The Department of Geography and History offers three programs leading to bachelor's degrees and coordinates one program leading to a master of arts degree:
Bachelor
of Arts (History Major)
This degree program is designed for students who plan
to major in history but do not want to teach in the public schools.
It is particularly suitable for individuals planning to continue
their education in graduate history programs or in professional
schools such as law or divinity. Career opportunities are also
available in government service, journalism, and other occupations
and professions requiring a broad background, critical thinking,
and research ability.
Bachelor
of Arts in Education (Social Science Major-Minor)
This degree program is designed to prepare students to teach social
studies in grades six through twelve in the public schools. Graduates
will have completed all courses required by the State of Oklahoma
for social studies certification in American history, world history,
Oklahoma history, sociology, government, and geography.
Master of
Arts in American Studies
Drawn from a variety of disciplines including history, English,
political science, geography, sociology, anthropology, criminal
justice, art, education, humanities, and economics, this degree
program strives to enhance students' understanding of the United
States. The curriculum provides a broader perspective of the American
experience than is afforded by individual academic disciplines.
In addition to providing a subject-oriented graduate degree for
public school teachers, the program may be used as a springboard
for further graduate study or employment opportunities in a variety
of fields. For more information go to: http://arapaho.nsuok.edu/~agnew/asindex.html
Career Opportunities in History
History graduates find employment as teachers at the secondary, junior college, and university level. Although competition is rigorous at all levels, prospects for employment should improve as members of the baby-boomer generation reach retirement age.
Many opportunities for employment exist beyond teaching. The federal government employs historians in agencies including the National Park Service, Armed Forces, Central Intelligence Agency, Foreign Service, and Department of Agriculture. State and local governments also hire historians as museum curators, archivists, editors of official publications, and researchers for legislative reference bureaus. State historical societies and the growing number of park and recreation departments of many states also offer a variety of positions to history graduates.
The private sector also employs historians in museums, the travel industry, and as in-house historians for large business organizations. Insurance and marketing companies hire graduates with history degrees to determine risks and calculate profitability. Public relations and human resources firms need employees with analytical skills associated with the historical method. The ability to write and research, honed by historical study, is a valuable asset in a variety of professions.
For students planning to continue their education in law school, MBA programs, divinity school, library science, and other graduate or professional fields, a bachelor of arts in history provides an excellent springboard for advanced study. Even medical schools are encouraging pre-med students to get as broadly based an education as possible before concentrating on their medical studies.
For additional information about the bachelor's programs in
geography, history, and social studies contact:
agnew@cherokee.nsuok.edu
For additional information about the master's program in American
Studies contact:
agnew@cherokee.nsuok.edu
Brad Agnew, Chair
Department of Geography and History
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK 74464-2399
Office: Seminary Hall, 306
Phone: (918) 456-5511, ext, 3519
Fax: (918) 458-2390