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What should we look for in a college as a History major?
Hi, I’m trying to help my son figure out his path to and through college. He is a history buff and his goal is to get a PhD Or doctorate in history. During our research we found a lot of Grad programs and I’m wondering if there are any specific programs or courses we should look into for undergrad to start the way. Any feedback would be appreciate! Thank you!!
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4 answers
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Karissa’s Answer
Any Bachelors of Arts in History at a tier one college would work. He should try and decide if he wants to be a college professor one day.
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Kim’s Answer
Look for colleges with a strong history department, renowned faculty, and a variety of courses and specializations that align with his interests.
Faculty members who are well-published and active in their fields can provide valuable mentorship and research opportunities.
Research experience is crucial for grad school applications, so find programs that encourage student research through honors programs, independent study options, or undergraduate research grants. Practical experience is also important, so look for colleges that offer internships, museum partnerships, or fieldwork opportunities.
Study abroad programs can provide valuable cultural experiences and access to historical sites and archives. Additionally, investigate the college's track record for placing students in reputable graduate programs and ensure they have extensive libraries and archives for research.
A supportive academic community with mentoring programs, academic advising, and student organizations related to history can also enhance his educational experience and help him build a strong network. By focusing on these aspects, you can help your son find a program that will set him up for success in his academic and professional journey.
Faculty members who are well-published and active in their fields can provide valuable mentorship and research opportunities.
Research experience is crucial for grad school applications, so find programs that encourage student research through honors programs, independent study options, or undergraduate research grants. Practical experience is also important, so look for colleges that offer internships, museum partnerships, or fieldwork opportunities.
Study abroad programs can provide valuable cultural experiences and access to historical sites and archives. Additionally, investigate the college's track record for placing students in reputable graduate programs and ensure they have extensive libraries and archives for research.
A supportive academic community with mentoring programs, academic advising, and student organizations related to history can also enhance his educational experience and help him build a strong network. By focusing on these aspects, you can help your son find a program that will set him up for success in his academic and professional journey.
Updated
Tom’s Answer
With the shape that many colleges are in these days concerning education it's smart to have a plan walking in the door. If your kid is a history buff then stick to history and only supplement his education with what is needed in terms of electives and other classes. Make sure those classes can align with what your student wants and by all means, be picky when selecting colleges. A junior college might be a nice way to break them in to the whole experience since it's usually less intense and more amenable to one's personal schedule.
But good luck on finding your school and hopefully you'll find a program that will work for your student's needs. One thing to remember, have a plan and do what you can to stick to it while remaining versatile enough to roll with any changes. College is a valuable experience if you make it work for you.
But good luck on finding your school and hopefully you'll find a program that will work for your student's needs. One thing to remember, have a plan and do what you can to stick to it while remaining versatile enough to roll with any changes. College is a valuable experience if you make it work for you.
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Kim's answer has done my work for me.
The difference would be that she is positive and I'm going to be negative.
Everything out there suggests that liberal arts courses are on a downward trend. Many institutions of higher education are moving toward education in tech and finance. Cutting back on the liberal arts.
Times change.
I had coffee today with two former students (in the top ten after forty-eight years of teaching) who were brilliant and eager and forceful in my history courses. That's what they wanted to get educationally involved in. They did the research. They are now both in medical school. One finds herself happy and the other needs a career.
You can in all probability attain your goal. But, in my opinion, it'll be a much harder struggle then me and my fellow students had all those years ago.
The difference would be that she is positive and I'm going to be negative.
Everything out there suggests that liberal arts courses are on a downward trend. Many institutions of higher education are moving toward education in tech and finance. Cutting back on the liberal arts.
Times change.
I had coffee today with two former students (in the top ten after forty-eight years of teaching) who were brilliant and eager and forceful in my history courses. That's what they wanted to get educationally involved in. They did the research. They are now both in medical school. One finds herself happy and the other needs a career.
You can in all probability attain your goal. But, in my opinion, it'll be a much harder struggle then me and my fellow students had all those years ago.