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history professor giving lecture in auditorium

History Major

Earn a bachelor's degree in history

A history degree is a valuable liberal arts degree that will give you a solid foundation in research and analytical skills vital to a wide variety of career paths including law, public service, ministry, business, museum work, national parks, government work and more.

Whether you use your history major from SBU to pursue further education at law school, graduate school or professional programs, or immediately enter a variety of career opportunities, you will be equipped with all the needed skills including research techniques, communication skills, analytical reasoning and cultural appreciation.

The History degree is offered through SBU's College of Arts and Sciences

Resources

Major Map (PDF)

Degree plan

SBU students

The SBU Advantage

  • Thrive in small class sizes in which you will receive personal attention, individualized instruction and one-on-one advisement as you pursue your education and career goals.
  • Be challenged to think deeply about the relationship between faith and culture and the influence of Christianity in your history courses.
  • Develop valuable skills in analytical reasoning, research and communication that will serve you well within the discipline of history and many other professions.

Faith Integration

The integration of Christian faith with the study of history distinguishes SBU's bachelor's degree in history. You will receive a well-rounded, complete overview of history using the "3-D approach" to studying history — considering the body, mind and soul. Course curriculum and discussion carefully considers the undeniable impact of Christianity on world history and how faith perspectives influence history and world issues. For example, when studying African history you will consider the impact of missionaries to Africa in the development of African cultures.

The area of history and political science adopts a Scripture passage each semester that helps shape the focus for the semester and provides intentionality in the integration of faith and academics.

Careers

SBU History graduates have pursued a variety of careers with organizations such as:

  • Cabela's Headquarters
  • CStreet Global Consultancy
  • Excel Management, Inc.
  • Missouri Conservation Department
  • U.S. Army
  • U.S. Senate
  • World Trade Center (Kansas City)

Graduate schools

Many History graduates have pursued further education at institutions such as:

  • Covenant Theological Seminary
  • Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
  • Missouri State University
  • St. Louis University School of Law
  • Washburn University School of Law

Scholarships

As a history student you will have the opportunity to apply annually for several privately funded scholarships, including the Tina Secrest Memorial History Scholarship, a $1,000 award given to two history majors each year.

History Four-Year Plan

Freshman

Fall Semester

ENG 1113 English Composition I 3
CIS 1103 Computer and Information Management 3
HIS 1113 Introduction to World Civilization I 3
POL 1113 American Government and Politics 3
BIB 1013 Old Testament History 3
UNI 1111 University Seminar 1
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

ENG 2213 English Composition II 3
FAR 10_3 Intro. to Art, Fine Arts, Music or Theatre 3
HIS 1123 Introduction to World Civilization II 3
COM 1103 Fundamentals of Speech Communication 3
BIB 1023 New Testament History 3
UNI 1121 Critical Thinking 1
Total hours 16
 

Sophomore

Fall Semester

MAT 1143 College Algebra 3
HIS 2213 U.S. History I 3
SPF 2012 Introduction to Spiritual Formation 2
BIO 1004 Principles of Biology 4
KIN 1162 Foundations of Physical Fitness/Wellness 2
  Ancient/Medieval History Elective 3
Total hours 17

Spring Semester

HIS 2223 U.S. History II 3
ECO 2003 LIFE Economics 3
PSY 1013 General Psychology 3
  Political Science Elective 3
  Modern World History Elective 3
Total hours 15
 

Junior

Fall Semester

PHS 1004 Introduction to Physical Science 4
  U.S. History Elective 3
  Political Science Elective 3
  Ancient/Medieval History Elective 3
  Social Science Elective (for B.S.) or  
  Foreign Language (for B.A.) 3-4
Total hours 16-17

Spring Semester

  Social Science Elective (for B.S.) or  
  Foreign Language (for B.A.) 3-4
  U.S. History Elective 3
  Social Science Elective (for B.S.) 3
  Upper Level Elective 3
  Upper Level Elective 3
Total hours 15-16
 

Senior

Fall Semester

HIS 4503 History Capstone 3
  Upper Level Elective 3
  Upper Level Elective 3
  Upper Level Elective 3
  Free Elective 3
  Free Elective 3
Total hours 18

Spring Semester

  History Elective 3
  Upper Level Elective 3
  Upper Level Elective 3
  Upper Level Elective 3
  Free Elective 3
Total hours 15

This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.
Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

Download in PDF format:
History plan (PDF)