Study the Past and Shape the Future as a History Major at SNHU
As a history major at Southern New Hampshire University, you'll gain a broad foundation in United States history and Western civilization, mostly through primary sources. Then, with the help of your advisor, you'll go on to design your own history degree incorporating coursework from throughout the university. Choose a concentration in American, European or Military history, or organize your Bachelor of Arts in History around a specific theme, such as religious, African-American, political, social, intellectual or economic topics, to name a few. SNHU's history major is designed to be comprehensive and flexible, so you can tailor your degree to your areas of interest.
See Yourself Succeed in History
As an SNHU history major, learn to analyze the choices of the past and how those choices have affected the world we live in today. You'll also develop advanced critical thinking and communication skills through an intensive examination of the elements of history - texts, images, objects, landscapes - and the crafting of contemporary historical arguments based upon those sources.
As a private, nonprofit university, SNHU has one mission - to help you see yourself succeed. The benefits of majoring in history at SNHU include:
- Supportive community. Join the SNHU campus community of students who are closely connected with faculty and staff dedicated to your success
- Affordability. It’s our mission to make higher education more accessible. That’s why, SNHU is one of the most affordable private, nonprofit universities in New Hampshire.
- Accessible faculty. Learn from highly credentialed faculty who are experts in their fields and interact with you in the classroom, dining hall, fitness center and the stands
- Opportunity. Tap into our nationwide network of alumni and strong connections with employers for internship and career opportunities
- Campus experience. Enjoy more than 50 student clubs, champion Division II athletics and fun events on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, N.H., named a "Best Place to Live" by Money magazine
Concentration Options
American History
Study the evolution of the United States in the Bachelor of Arts in History with a concentration in American History at Southern New Hampshire University. From the American Revolution to the 20th century, you'll follow the growth and expansion of the US from its beginnings to its place in the current world stage.
Courses may include:
- American Environmental History
- Civil War and Reconstruction
- Colonial New England
- United States History Since 1945
European History
Explore ancient Greece and Rome all the way to Europe's involvement in World War I and World War II with a Bachelor of Arts in History with a concentration in European History. You'll investigate thousands of years of history through the lens of religion, politics, warfare and the arts.
Courses may include:
- The Ancient World of Greece and Rome
- Modern Germany: 1871 – Present
- Modern European History: 1890 – Present
- World War I and World War II
Military History
Learn how warfare has shaped the development of civilization — and how civilization shaped warfare — in SNHU's Bachelor of Arts in History with a concentration in Military History degree program.
In this military history degree concentration, you'll acquire a valuable understanding of military history by reading, evaluating and discussing events that have significantly influenced society.
Courses may include:
- Civil War and Reconstruction
- Modern War & Society
- World War I, World War II
- United States History Since 1945
Internships & Outcomes
History majors can be found in a variety of professions, including journalists, social organizers, public servants, and more. Lawyers, teachers, and economists often have history degrees, although additional studies are required for these professions. Whereas some majors provide specific training linked to one or two vocations, a BA in history prepares students for a wide range of career options.
Our internship and study abroad experiences allow you to apply classroom learning to the wider world. We encourage students to pursue such opportunities as part of their undergraduate studies. Prior students have interned in museums and other historical arenas as well as in more traditional business-related areas. They have also studied abroad in Ireland, Italy, England and other locations.
Curriculum
SNHU's undergraduate history program begins with a foundational education in American, European, Asian and comparative history. The program also offers increasingly more opportunities to study world history and culture.
All history degree majors complete required courses in historical methods and a senior colloquium, where they write a senior thesis. In addition, you may select a concentration in American, European or Military history, or choose your own electives to focus on the historical issues that interest you most.
Courses To Prepare You For Your Career
SNHU's bachelor's in history program includes:
- General education
- Degree-specific courses
General Education Program
Our programs are designed to equip you with the skills and insights you need to move forward. In recent years, employers have stressed the need for graduates with higher order skills - the skills that go beyond technical knowledge - such as:
- Writing
- Communication
- Analysis
- Problem solving
All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes. Through foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| BA in History |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| BA in History Campus | ||
| HIS 222 | War and Society: Antiquity to 1800 | A survey of warfare during the ancient, medieval, and early modern eras. Particular attention will be devoted to the evolution of military technology and the various ways that Western and non-Western societies adopted gunpowder weaponry. |
| HIS 235 | Modern Russia | This course studies Russian/Soviet history from 1905 to the present with an emphasis on revolutionary traditions, government and politics,culture and religion and social philosophy. |
| HIS 259 | Silk Roads and Samurai | An overview of the societies and cultures of China and Japan (and to a lesser extent, Korea) before 1600 C.E. through primary and secondary sources. Because East Asia developed in relative isolation from the West one goal of this course is to point out and study distinctive aspects of "East Asian civilization." A second goal is the study of the relationship between the evolution of China and Japan. Since China has the oldest identifiable civilization in the region, we will spend somewhat more time on Chinese history. |
| HIS 330 | Civil War and Reconstruction | This course examines various interpretations of Civil War causation; the major political, economic and military aspects of the war; and the rebuilding of Southern society after the war's end. |
| Total Credits: 120 | ||
Campus Undergraduate Tuition
Our Manchester campus aims to keep tuition and related costs low for our students so that you can pursue your degree and your goals.
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
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