About History Programs

Through impactful learning experiences both in and out of the classroom, the SOU History faculty aim to educate students to be active participants in a democratic society. By offering courses in American Government, American and World History, Public Administration, and more, we challenge students to develop critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills. We understand the value of a liberal arts education and support students’ holistic success.

Our faculty strive to support Southern Oregon University’s general education program and provide advanced courses for students wishing to make History the major focus of their baccalaureate program. Our program prepares students to be teachers or practitioners, providing a solid springboard for professional training in law, business, government service, or education.

The History Program comprises a community of students, teachers, and scholars who are dedicated to analyzing the past and serving as responsible global citizens. Together we probe the stories and experiences of peoples who have lived throughout the United States and on every corner of the globe, from antiquity to the present. In the process, History students cultivate advanced skills as critical thinkers, researchers, writers, and public speakers. Furthermore, students prepare to participate actively in a democratic society.

Studying history is excellent preparation for teaching and advanced study in the humanities and social sciences, law and library schools, and seminaries. The history major also provides a solid foundation for government service, business administration, public history and museum work, and various other areas of communication, journalism, and writing. History courses are an integral part of many other degree programs at Southern Oregon University.
In addition, the program offers a history minor.

Membership in the local chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the international honor society in history, is open to qualified students. The purposes of the society are to encourage, stimulate, and help maintain excellence in the historical scholarship of students and faculty. Phi Alpha Theta also has a number of programs, scholarship awards, and publications available to member students. For more information, contact Dr. Dustin Walcher.

Students who wish to teach history at the middle school and high school level in Oregon public schools must complete a bachelor’s degree in history before applying for admission to a postgraduate licensure program such as the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Interested students should consult the School of Education regarding admission requirements.

The History program strongly recommends that majors complete at least two years of college-level foreign language. Students who complete their second year of foreign language will likely qualify for a bachelor of arts degree at SOU (see BA/BS Requirements). Graduate and professional schools, scholarship-granting agencies and foundations, and private-sector employers consider the bachelor of arts degree as most appropriate within the history field. Additionally, taking courses at the 300- or 400-level in a foreign language will aid students in their post-graduation careers.

Whether you major in history or political science, all majors who are within twelve credit hours of completing their major must complete a comprehensive capstone project. History majors produce a lengthy properly documented paper to demonstrate their command of the research process, while political science majors apply the concepts, principles and theories to a practical simulation of political action. This integrative, impactful experience is the culmination of student learning within their program.