History teaches us to think historically, to see issues and societies in historical context. Just as we learn about individuals through their personal stories, so we become familiar with issues and societies through their histories. History leads us to a realistic appreciation of our own time by studying the past and enabling us to measure it against other times and societies. From history we develop a desire, and a method, to understand peoples and cultures, a mentality of great importance in our own pluralistic society and global world. History instructs us a b out the complexity of human affairs and helps us avoid oversimplification and stereotypes in our thinking. These are only a few of the educationally liberal attitudes and values that the study of history imparts. They enrich us as human beings and are valuable in any career or profession.

History and the Professions

The study of history develops precisely those skills of evaluation and analysis that will provide a firm foundation for any professional career. The work of the historian is to present analyses and conclusions based on evidence gathered and evaluated on the basis of established principles. No other undergraduate disclipline will provide more practical experience in presenting and defending written and oral arguments. While other disciplines develop writing skills or understanding of political behavior, history combines the skills of these other disciplines with the added dimensions of the vast time span of human existence, and the breadth of view of a global perspective.

Superior Pre-Professional Preparation

In conjunction with the university’s widely respected core curriculum, a major in history will provide the pre-professional student with a superior background for the pursuit of a career in any profession that requires skills in evaluation and analyzing evidence and data, as well as the ability to present one’s analysis concisely and convincingly, in both oral and written form. These are the skills of the historian.

There are many options available to students who graduate with an undergraduate major in history. Whether in the public or private sector, historians can use their liberal arts training in a variety of situations and careers. Trained to be effective communicators, history graduates will have gained sharp critical thinking, analytical and writing skills.

Transferable Skills

Many of the skills historians develop while in school benefit them in the workplace. Research skills are just one example. Researchers need to formulate questions, create methods to find the correct answers and apply the findings to contemporary society. These skills are essential to the history profession, but also serve other careers in the public and private sectors. Historians with these qualities can find placement in the corporate setting, in a private history firm or as a journalist, for instance. Historians also are taught to be effective communicators, and good writing is essential in any profession. Below you will find more specific career paths for those with history degrees.

BUSINESS AND THE HISTORY MAJOR

Many of St. Thomas University ’s history graduates, have followed successful careers in business and management. A history major’s training includes practice in the clear oral and written formulation of problems and solutions, analyses of causes and effects, experience with concise written arguments supported by empirical evidence and a sensitivity to different social and cultural points of view: all important skills and attitudes for a business career. The St. Thomas University history major has a specific opportunity to study the modern urban cultures in which many contemporary businesses operate.

Students interested in both history and business, or in pursuing a business career while majoring in history, might consider a minor in Business The following courses, recommended for minors in Business, would give history majors an attractive grounding for business employment:

HISTORY B.A. with a Business Minor

BUS 120 Principles of Business and Environmental Administration
BUS 257 A Fundamentals of Accounting and Finance for Non Accountants

ECO 201 Principles of Macroeconomics
BUS 316 International/Multinational Business*

BUS 332 Principles of Marketing*

*or other elective

HISTORY MAJOR FOR THE PRE-LAW STUDENT
A major in history provides you with an outstanding background for a career in law. Listen to the words of several lawyers (and former history majors) practicing today:

"The study of history enhanced my skills as a lawyer by requiring close reading and careful writing, and teaching me that, in arguing a point, eloquent phrasing is no excuse for inadequate support."

- J. T., lawyer, bankruptcy and insolvency law

 

"Much of the law is based on precedent, reviewing and analyzing what previous courts have done under similar circumstances. A lawyer has to understand the decisions of those prior cases, appreciate the context and trace the development of the law through to its current holdings. This is the historical method, par excellence, for which the undergraduate study of history provides, if not the only, then the best preparation."- T.D.R., lawyer, intellectual property law

 

"My undergraduate study of history served me well in law school—and beyond. It required me to consider a particular set of facts (or, in many circumstances, competing versions of "facts"), draw conclusions as to their causes and effects, explain away or, at least, criticize alternative theories, and articulate my thoughts in writing."

- E.D.J., lawyer, professional liability insurance

St. Thomas University ’s Department of History provides an excellent background for both law school and the legal profession. Historical research in every history course is very close to legal research; in history you use "primary sources" from the time period you are studying; in law, you work with the "case law" of the past to argue your present points. Close reading of texts and the analytic skills needed to make sense of them are the same for both. This is probably why history majors have among the highest admission rate to law school.

The American Bar Association advises against specifically "pre-law" courses. Instead, history majors prepare for legal careers by developing their research, writing and analytical skills. The small size of the department’s 300 and 400 level courses allows close interaction between students and faculty, which is very useful when you need letters of recommendation.

History majors interested in law school are strongly urged to engage in law-related internships during their junior and senior years. Some such internships can gain academic credit through the Internship in History Program. Such work experience (1) helps you decide whether you really want a legal career, (2) makes it easier to find legal work after graduation and (3) helps you get into a good law school.

In order to obtain the most desirable internships, you should plan ahead. History majors interested in a pre-law internship should meet with their advisor for assistance in finding an internship and preparing a resume.

Sample History program for those planning on a career in law
(note: this suggested program does not include all requirements necessary for a BA degree):

Freshman year
Fall	History 101 or 105
Spring	History 102 or 106
Sophomore Year
Fall	History 201 and History 300-Level (Pre-Modern Europe)
Spring	History 201 and History 300-Level (Modern Europe or US)
Junior Year
Fall	History 300-Level US
Spring	History 300 or 400-Level, History (300 level Post-1700 European History) LSAT Preparation: Send in your registration for the June LSAT by April; take a course in LSAT preparation (optional)
Summer	Take LSAT in June; Release college transcripts to LSDAS; Request applications from law schools.
Senior Year
Fall	History - 300 level course in Africa, Asia. Latin America or the Middle East History - 300 level elective Last chance to take LSAT or retake LSAT September - solicit three faculty members to write letters of recommendation on your behalf. October (if possible) - submit law school applications
Spring	History Senior Seminar

 

SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHING AND THE HISTORY MAJOR

Students interested in teaching history at the secondary or junior high levels can prepare for their State of Florida Secondary Teaching Certificate while obtaining their history major. The Education Minor prepares students to sit for the Florida Teacher Certification Examination.

Recommended Timetable

Freshman year

Core courses History 101 and 102-106 English 101-102 COM 101 (Public Speaking) EDU 201 Intro to Education

Sophomore Year

Core courses History 201-202 1 or 2 300-level History courses EDU 300 Classroom Management

Junior Year

Core courses 4 or 5 300-level History courses EDU 352 Educational Psychology EDU 308 Strategies for Effective Teaching

Senior Year

Core courses 4 or 5 300-level History courses EDU 352 Educational Psychology EDU 308 Strategies for Effective Teaching

For more information on careers in general, internships and for help with resume preparation, visit St. Thomas University Career Center.