History and Your Future

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:

Undergraduate Advising

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.

Scholarships and Internships

The History Department offers several scholarships and awards to undergraduates. The most substantial is the Ed Hirsch Scholarship (12k pdf), 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 (11k pdf) 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 (13k pdf) 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 (Undergraduate Creative Activities & Research Experiences)

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

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.