The conventional wisdom is that majoring in History is useful only if one intends
to go into teaching. It is true that many History majors go on to teaching careers
in grade schools, junior high and high schools, community and junior colleges, four-year
colleges, and universities. However, other avenues are open to History majors. History majors
are eligible for and often in demand for the many jobs in our society simply requiring
a B.A. degree. History is an excellent preparation for law school--some say the
best. Moreover, there are a surprising number of positions outside of teaching for
which History majors are uniquely qualified and in demand for their skills as historians.
These include positions in publishing houses, archives and libraries, historical
societies, museums and parks, and government, including the military.
The extent of these opportunities can be gleaned from statistics compiled on the
careers of History majors who graduated from UNL during the period, 1965-1978. At
the time these alumni responded to the department's questionnaire their occupational
distribution was as follows:
33% Education
9% Business and Clerical
3% Law
8% Government
8% Students
7% Community Service
6% Journalism
2% Military
2% Health Care
The Undergraduate Advisor will serve as your chief advisor unless you request another
member of the department to act in that capacity, which you may do at any time.
Your advisor will assist you in developing your program of study on a semester-by-semester
basis. At a minimum, you should see your advisor during every pre-registration period.
The History Department offers several scholarships and awards to undergraduates.
The most substantial is the
Ed Hirsch Scholarship
(11KB)
, which is granted to one or two history majors each year. Recipients must have
taken at least 12 hours of history courses at UNL, possess at least a 3.0 GPA overall,
and demonstrate financial need. the
Dr. Vladimir Kucera Scholarship
(10KB)
is presented annually to a student who is studying Czech history, language, or literature,
or intends to travel to Czechoslovakia. The
Glenn Gray Memorial Award
(12KB)
is presented to the outstanding history major of the year. The recipient receives
a cash award, a scroll, and his or her name inscribed on a a plaque. All of the
awards occur at the end of the spring semester. Application forms may be obtained
from the Undergraduate Advisor or the main History Department office.
It is possible to obtain academic credit from the History Department for internships
conducted with local historical societies, the State Historical Society of Nebraska,
the Nebraska State Government, or other bodies engaged in historical activity. Information
on agencies offering internship opportunities can be obtained at the UNL Cooperative
Education Office (345 Nebraska Union). To register and receive credit for History
398 (Internship in History), a student must receive prior approval from the Undergraduate
Advisor.
UCARE, funded by the Pepsi Endowment, offers opportunities for undergraduates to
work alongside faculty members and directly participate in the campus's research
or creative activities. Undergraduates may apply for UCARE awards to incorporate
a research or creative experience into their undergraduate education. For more information
visit the website at http://www.unl.edu/ucare/.
Phi Alpha Theta is the national history honor society. To join you need to have
completed 12 hours of history, have a grade point average of 3.1 in history and
an overall grade point average of 3.0. If you meet these requirements, see the Chief
Undergraduate Advisor about becoming a member. Membership entitles you to participate
in the organization's activities and receive the journal, The Historian.
