B.A. in History

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History at Eastern Michigan University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of historical events, periods, and methodologies. This program is designed to foster critical thinking and analytical skills through the study of diverse historical contexts and sources. Students explore various historical narratives, examining the impact of historical events on contemporary society. The curriculum emphasizes the development of research skills, historical interpretation, and the ability to analyze complex historical issues, preparing graduates for careers in education, public history, research, and more.

Curriculum: The B.A. in History curriculum at Eastern Michigan University includes a blend of core courses and electives that cover a broad spectrum of historical periods and themes. Core courses typically include Introduction to Historical Methods, U.S. History, World History, and specialized courses in regional histories such as European, Asian, and African history. Students are also required to complete a capstone project or thesis, which involves in-depth research on a topic of their choice. Elective courses allow students to tailor their studies according to their interests, exploring topics such as gender history, economic history, and cultural history. The curriculum is designed to enhance students' abilities to conduct independent research, engage in critical analysis, and develop strong writing skills.

Research Focus: Research in the B.A. in History program emphasizes the development of rigorous research methodologies and critical analysis. Students engage in original research projects, utilizing primary and secondary sources to investigate historical questions and contribute to scholarly discourse. Faculty members often have expertise in various historical fields, providing students with the opportunity to work on research that aligns with their interests. Areas of research focus may include social history, political history, economic history, and the history of specific regions or periods. Students are encouraged to present their research findings at conferences and publish their work in academic journals.

Industry Engagement: The program fosters industry engagement through internships, partnerships with historical organizations, and practical experiences in public history. Students have opportunities to work with museums, archives, historical societies, and cultural institutions, gaining hands-on experience in historical research, curation, and education. Additionally, the program often hosts guest lectures, workshops, and seminars with professionals in the field, providing students with insights into career opportunities and current trends in historical scholarship and public history.

Global Perspective: The B.A. in History program at Eastern Michigan University incorporates a global perspective by offering courses that cover a wide range of historical contexts beyond the American and European experiences. Students explore global histories and learn about the interconnectedness of different regions through historical processes such as colonization, migration, and trade. The program encourages students to understand history from a multi-faceted perspective, examining how global events have shaped various cultures and societies. This global perspective prepares students to approach historical research and analysis with an awareness of diverse cultural and historical viewpoints.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 95.

Scholarships for International Students at Eastern Michigan University

Global Leadership Scholarship: EMU offers the Global Leadership Scholarship to exceptional international students. This scholarship is competitive and based on academic merit. It provides partial tuition coverage.

International Student Tuition Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and may cover a portion of the tuition fees for international students.

EMU Foundation Scholarships: International students can also apply for scholarships offered through the EMU Foundation. These scholarships are typically based on academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.

External Scholarships: EMU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by government agencies, foundations, and international organizations. The ISSO (International Students and Scholars Office) can assist students in finding these opportunities.

Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at EMU offer scholarships specifically to students within their field of study. International students should inquire with their respective departments for such opportunities.

Cultural Scholarships: EMU recognizes and values diversity. As a result, there may be cultural scholarships available to international students from specific regions or countries. These scholarships aim to promote cross-cultural understanding.

It's important for international students to meet the eligibility criteria and application deadlines for these scholarships.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History from Eastern Michigan University are well-prepared for a diverse range of career opportunities in various fields. The skills and knowledge acquired through the program, including critical thinking, research, and analytical abilities, open doors to numerous professional paths.

Historian: Historians conduct research on historical events, analyze historical data, and interpret past events. They may work in academic settings, museums, archives, or for historical organizations, contributing to the understanding and documentation of history.

Museum Curator: Museum curators manage collections of historical artifacts, artworks, and documents. They are responsible for preserving, organizing, and interpreting these items for public exhibitions, educational programs, and research purposes.

Archivist: Archivists work with historical documents and records, ensuring their preservation and accessibility. They organize, catalog, and manage archival collections in libraries, museums, and government agencies, helping researchers access historical information.

Public Historian: Public historians apply historical knowledge to engage with the public through exhibits, documentaries, historical tours, and educational programs. They work in museums, historical sites, and cultural organizations to make history accessible and relevant to a broader audience.

Historical Researcher: Historical researchers conduct in-depth investigations into specific historical topics or periods. They analyze primary and secondary sources, prepare research reports, and provide insights that contribute to scholarly publications, policy-making, or public understanding.

Education and Teaching: Graduates can pursue teaching careers at various educational levels, including high school and community college. They may also work in educational institutions developing curriculum and teaching materials related to history and social studies.

Cultural Resource Manager: Cultural resource managers oversee the preservation and management of historical sites and cultural landmarks. They work with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private firms to protect and maintain significant historical and cultural resources.

Historical Consultant: Historical consultants provide expertise on historical accuracy and context for various projects, including film, television, and literature. They assist with ensuring that historical representations are accurate and well-researched.

Writer and Editor: Graduates can pursue careers as writers and editors, focusing on historical content for books, articles, and other publications. They may work with publishers, media outlets, or freelance to produce historical narratives and analyses.

Policy Analyst: Policy analysts with a background in history can work in government or non-governmental organizations to assess and develop policies related to historical preservation, education, and cultural heritage.

Genealogist: Genealogists research family histories and create detailed family trees for individuals and organizations. They use historical records and documents to trace ancestry and uncover family histories.

Legal and Compliance Roles: The analytical and research skills developed in a history program can be applied in legal and compliance roles. Graduates may work as paralegals, compliance officers, or in other roles that require careful examination of historical and legal records.