Department of History and Geography
Undergraduate Degree(s):
Minor(s):
Graduate Degree(s):
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in History (Non-thesis Option)
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in History (Thesis Option)
The Department of History, Geography, Economics, and General Studies is responsible for the instruction of courses in History (HIST), Geography (GEOG), and Economics (ECON).
Department faculty are housed on the third floor of the Public Affairs Building, with the Department Office located in Room 305B. For detailed information on the Master of Arts in History, students should consult the Graduate School Bulletin of Texas Southern University. The Department houses three distinct academic disciplines, History, Geography, and Economics, and the degree program in General Studies. It also offers core curriculum courses in History, Geography, and Economics.
Mission
The mission of the History, Geography and General Studies Department is to develop engaged citizens who have the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to make informed decisions in diverse social, economic, political, and cultural contexts.
The mission of the History BA program is to provide students with historical knowledge and marketable skills that will prepare them for a career in academia and other professions. Primarily the department trains undergraduates to research, analyze, synthesize and communicate conclusions about change over time by using historical methods. The department aims to teach cultural literacy and provide the knowledge necessary for informed decision making. The department is dedicated to expanding students’ knowledge of World History and American History while analyzing the role of African Americans and other underrepresented groups.
The mission of the General Studies BA program is to provide students with a curriculum that integrates various disciplines, which match a wide variety of educational and professional goals. The program aims to train students to think critically, communicate effectively, and solve problems. Students with General Studies degrees are prepared to enter the workforce, pursue an advanced degree, and become engaged global citizens.
The mission of the Geography program is to prepare students for life in an ever-changing world, and engage, inspire, and challenge them to become informed and responsible global citizens and leaders. The program provides students with spatial and critical thinking skills, analytical skills for qualitative and quantitative data, geographic information technology skills, and international and global perspectives on environmental, social, cultural, economic and political issues.
The core curriculum in Economics is designed to equip students with a knowledge of the realism and relevance of basic economic forces and institutions that impact their lives in the various capacities they might occupy as members of society.
B.A. Degrees and Minors
In pursuing the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History, students (as first-time degree seekers) are required to declare a minor in a second academic discipline. Details of the curriculum are found on the following pages. The Academic Standards and Academic Requirements state that students majoring in history must earn a grade of “C” or better (grades of “C-” are not acceptable) in all courses specified as major courses, as well as all courses for their minor unless otherwise stated below. All history majors must complete HIST 420 during their senior year. In addition, students seeking the B.A. degree in History must officially declare their minor area and they are required to obtain detailed advisement from an advisor in their minor area. Courses used to fulfil minor requirements cannot be simultaneously used to fulfil a major requirement. In no case will students qualify for graduation at the undergraduate level with fewer than 120 semester credit hours.
Those pursuing a B.A. in General Studies are strongly encouraged to consult with an advisor to formulate a coherent and professionally practical program for this major. The General Studies curriculum is divided into four areas: 1) The core curriculum, which requires 42 credit hours; 2) The major, which is composed of 30 credit hours of required courses; 3) The elective area, which requires 24 credit hours, 3 of which must be 300 or 400 level courses; 4) The concentration within the General Studies major, which is agreed upon by the student and advisor, requiring 24 credit hours (which may be taken in more than one department), 18 of which must be at the 300 and 400 level. Students majoring in General Studies must obtain a grade of “C” or better (grades of “C-“ are not acceptable) in all major and concentration courses. All General Studies majors must complete HIST 419 during their final year.
Students wishing to pursue one of the two undergraduate degrees or one of the minors offered through the Department must do the following: 1) first gain admission to the University; 2) satisfy Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements or equivalent with the University's TSI Testing Coordinator; and 3) petition the Department for admission when TSI requirements are completed. Once admitted, students are assigned an official academic advisor who must be consulted each semester prior to registration. Students are also expected to keep the Department Office apprised of changes in addresses and telephone numbers.
Individuals interested in seeking certification for teaching in the public schools of Texas in academic disciplines offered through this unit should contact the Teacher Certification Officer in the College of Education at Texas Southern University for application instructions.
Transfer students may substitute FS 102 Freshman Seminar/ first Year Experience with any college level course to complete the total credit hours required for graduation by their degree plan.