History

Charles A. Cannon College of Arts and Sciences

As a history major, you learn from professors with specialties in regions around the world. They enjoy conducting research, but they’re teachers first. From one-on-one tutoring to group problem-solving, you won’t feel lost in any of the history courses you take.

Classes are small, and you receive personal attention. And you’ll always feel comfortable adding to the discussion.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

History majors have opportunities to learn far away from campus by taking W’International seminars. History professors often lead these study abroad trips and are knowledgeable guides. As a history major, you can conduct an internship at a location near campus, somewhere in the United States or somewhere abroad. You earn academic credit as you gain career experience.

You conduct research in your history classes and with your senior thesis. These opportunities give you the freedom to learn more about a topic you’re interested in as you tighten your research skills.

Known as History 499 – Senior Thesis in History in the list of history courses, the project provides valuable research experience for graduate school. If you conduct a senior thesis in history, you:

Develop a research question
Conduct in-depth research using primary and secondary sources
Write a formal 15- to 25-page essay
Present your research to students and professors

History Major Map

First Year

Category	To Do
Courses	Start your study of history with HIST 110 and HIST 111. Broaden your horizons with classes from the core curriculum. Talk to your advisor about whether a BA or BS makes the most sense for you.
Opportunities	Get involved by joining a student organization on campus. Make connections at the alumni-student mixer at Homecoming. Get acquainted with the Writing Center, and go to Lyceums about developing study skills.
Research	Get connected to history by meeting your academic advisor to talk about your professional goals. Research issues that interest you. Take an elective in a field you are considering for your minor.
Exploration	Take the FOCUS2 survey to identify your strengths. Research possible careers to begin planning your path. History prepares you for a wide range of career pathways, from State Department work to Law degrees, public history and museums to leadership in organizations, and everywhere in between.

Second Year

Category	To Do
Courses	Begin taking your regional history courses, as well as required social science courses. Take History 300 to learn how historians decipher the past. Make progress on your core curriculum requirements. Now is the ideal time to choose a minor.
Opportunities	Attend the Wellspring Symposium in the spring to see examples of outstanding student research at Wingate. Consider volunteering with an organization relevant to your interests, such as a charity or local historical society.
Research	Sophomore year is a great time to see history in action in a W'Engage class or other service learning course. Research whether a study abroad opportunity would open doors for you.
Exploration	Continue researching career paths. Reach out to alumni to learn about the great variety of things you can do with a history degree. Do a gap analysis to identify strengths and weaknesses on your resume. Consider an internship in the summer after your sophomore year.

Third Year

Category	To Do
Courses	Complete your core curriculum courses and delve into the upper level courses in history and in your minor. Start thinking about what topic you want to explore in your senior thesis.
Opportunities	Run for a leadership position in a student organization. Help other students succeed by becoming a tutor. Participate in International Education Week. Present your best research paper at the Wellspring Symposium in the spring.
Research	Talk to your advisor about the Fulbright program. Consider a W'International study abroad experience, or whether a more in-depth study abroad is right for you. Talk to your advisor about whether a summer research project would advance your career goals.
Exploration	Research the specifics of a career path with an internship or job shadowing. Identify faculty that can act as references next year. If you are considering applying for graduate school, study for entrance exams in the spring to prepare for a test in the summer.

Fourth Year

Category	To Do
Courses	Finish your history courses and the requirements for your minor. Identify your thesis supervisor in the fall and finish your senior thesis in the spring.
Opportunities	Be a leader in a student organization. Consider trying to publish your senior thesis. Explore ways to stay connected to local and global communities after graduation. For those interested, apply for a Fulbright in the fall.
Research	Present at International Education Week in the fall. Consider whether the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps is right for you.
Exploration	Complete your degree audit. Ask your letter writers for their references early in the fall. Create a resume and LinkedIn profile. Apply to jobs and/or graduate programs.

Career Opportunities
Faculty

Career Opportunities

Faculty

John Barham

Adjunct History Instructor

Jason Doom

Adjunct

Joseph Ellis

Professor of Political Science; Assistant Dean, Arts and Sciences, Professor of Political Science

Phillip Garland

Adjunct Professor, History

Abannik Hino

Associate Professor, History

Carrie Hoefferle

Dean of Arts and Sciences, Professor of History

Sydney Marshall

Professor

David Mitchell

Assistant Professor, American History;, Director, Race & Ethnic Studies

Ross Ritter

Adjunct Faculty

Jim Stegall

Adjunct Facutly, BLS Program and History/Political Science

Chris Stonestreet

Adjunct Faculty, History

Ben Thorne

Assistant Professor, History

Chandra Waller

Adjunct Faculty, History

Jacob Wobig

Associate Professor, Political Science

Career Opportunities

Majoring in history helps you develop other skills you need for a successful future. Communication, problem-solving and analytical skills prepare you for a number of career fields, including:

Anthropology
Archaeology
Business
Education
Government
Journalism
Law
Politics

Do you want to teach history?

Check out Licensure

Gracie McCallister '21

My time at Wingate University as a history major was truly one of the most valuable experiences of my life. I was able to learn from amazing professors and hone transferable skills that prepared me for a multitude of careers. I ultimately decided to become a teacher to share my love of history with students and support them in developing critical thinking skills.

Julia Lasure '22

My time at Wingate University was instrumental in shaping my graduate and professional careers. I learned the basics of research that I use in my every day projects. I also learned the importance of working with community members during my internship with Dr. David Mitchell documenting the Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church Original Cemetery.

Questions?

Dr. Jacob Wobig
j.wobig@wingate.edu