Incoming students with a desire to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in History may be eligible for History Scholarships provided by a newly established gift for Catawba’s Department of History.
Apply for this ScholarshipHistory Degree – Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Gain the knowledge to place historical aspects – events, ideas and concepts – into the context of the times and society.
Students pursuing a History degree at Catawba College analyze and interpret aspects of History to understand culture, politics, and society. As such, History helps students to critically view and understand the past to better appreciate themselves and their world. This appreciation is built from practical, hands-on experiences at a local level and through intense, relevant coursework.
Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in History helps develop the knowledge, abilities, and values that are central in the study of History and in liberal education. These attributes prepare students for success in later life as individuals and as members of a democratic society. Catawba College’s History Department faculty is dedicated to preparing its graduates for useful and productive 21st century careers and lives. In addition, incoming freshmen students majoring in History may be offered a History scholarship upon acceptance to Catawba College.
Catawba College History majors gain fundamental knowledge in U.S., European, and Non-Western history, and have the opportunity to explore upper-level courses in these three areas such as Ancient Seminar, Early Modern Seminar, Early American Seminar, Readings in Non-Western History, and more. As a History undergraduate, you will be asked to think critically and independently, to demonstrate strong communication skills, and to accept responsibility for the development of your own educational career.
Minor in History
Catawba College offers a minor in History.
Secondary Teacher Licensure
If you want to pursue a career as a secondary (grades 9-12) History teacher, you will need a teacher licensure in Comprehensive Social Studies. Catawba College students must satisfy the requirements for the B.A. degree in History, complete a Secondary Education Minor and have a semester-long experience student teaching. Students pursuing Comprehensive Social Studies licensure should consult with the Department of Teacher Education for additional required coursework.
History Program Highlights
Catawba College History Department curriculum was totally redesigned for the 2018-2019 academic year. The History major centers on the seminar model and provides students with the critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in life outside of Catawba, regardless of what profession they end up in.
The History Department at Catawba seeks to ensure that students embrace intellectual curiosity and growth; practice citizenship, service, and civility; develop respect for the intrinsic value of all human beings; and engage in a process of academic reflection during their collegiate career.
Internships in History.
Gain professional experience and content for your resume by completing internships related to a History degree. Catawba College students’ internships have included documenting and recording oral histories, serving as docents and guides at historic properties, and work archiving historic images and artifacts.
Study Abroad and at Home in History.
Visit the beaches of Normandy and enter the camp of Auschwitz to gain perspective on World War II, or closer to home, explore the fact and fiction of small-town Sheriff Andy Taylor and his television home of Mayberry through excursions to the N.C. town of Mt. Airy. Far and wide, Catawba students unearth historic facts and fiction. Some History courses have built-in travel components, while independent study and practicum courses allow students to craft their own travel experiences both domestically and abroad.
Undergraduate Research in History.
Catawba College History majors are encouraged to conduct and present independent historic research. History undergrads have presented their work at the annual campus Interdisciplinary Creativity and Research Symposium, at the North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium and at professional conferences.
