Marine to art major: ‘Art never really stopped for me, even while at war’
“Making art in general has been very therapeutic for me," said Edna Martinez, a former Marine now art grad. "It's not just a passion anymore. It's become a necessity.”
Are you interested in learning how humanity has shaped the cultural, economic and political forces that impact our society today?
At Augusta University, the History program offers an experience like no other — one where the past is your lab and you can choose your own concentration so that your coursework fits your interests and employment goals. This program from Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences’ Department of History, Anthropology, and Philosophy prepares students for a variety of career options.
History, BA is for you if you consider yourself
What You'll Study
Students can choose from three concentrations: a Bachelor of History degree, a Bachelor of History with a Concentration in Public History or a Bachelor of History with a Secondary Teacher Certification. Each teaches you to think rigorously, evaluate arguments and evidence, conduct historical research and write clearly and precisely.
Focal Points
Experience-based Education
The capstone internship in the public history concentration prepares students to engage in the debates and discussions surrounding shared authority and the professionalization of local history.
The History Student Association brings history students together for monthly meetings and a variety of engaging events.
The Phi Alpha Theta honor society, a national organization with chapters throughout the world, encourages historical research and study, gives students valuable experience and cultivates important connections.
Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, you’ll have opportunities to create your own research projects or work with faculty to tackle some of the world’s most complex and pressing challenges.
Pamplin College’s Center for Social Science Research involves students as active partners in research projects that assist local public and nonprofit agencies improve their effectiveness.
Student publications are an excellent way to find your voice and strengthen your portfolio, and Pamplin College has a wide range to get involved with.
Student clubs and organizations help you “plug in” to campus life in a way that can lead to meaningful connections, new interests and resume-enhancing experiences.
Interested in teaching?
If you are interested in working with students in grades 6-12, you might consider a certificate in Secondary Education in addition to your degree. Teachers, school counselors, and other educational personnel must be certified by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission to teach in elementary, middle, or secondary public schools.
Augusta University offers an opportunity to complete your teaching certification while earning your degree within specific programs of study. Once students have completed their coursework and passed their certification, they can add secondary teaching education to their list of career opportunities.
Your Future
The skills and knowledge acquired by a history degree are sought after by employers in a wide range of careers, including teachers and educators, researchers, museum curators, information managers and authors.
Overall, job prospects are steady, with museum jobs growing far faster than average.
Learning Like No Other
Concentrations allow you to chart your own course to reach the employment destination that matters to you.
Opportunities to engage with students and faculty outside the classroom help you further explore the issues and questions that inform our understanding of the past.
An historic campus with its own museum creates a living history and exposes you to issues of historical preservation and discovery.
“Making art in general has been very therapeutic for me," said Edna Martinez, a former Marine now art grad. "It's not just a passion anymore. It's become a necessity.”
“I think you’re going to look around the auditorium and you’re going to see hope blooming on every single face, because in that way, we’re alike. What a testament it will be to AU if this graduating class takes this community with them into future endeavors," said Stephanie Jones.
“We have always been intentional with what programs we add to our portfolio, and MAISS and the MPA program were the next two logical choices for us,” said Marc Austin, PhD.
"I know that a degree doesn’t complete somebody, but for me, it does kind of complete that chapter of my life that’s been unfinished for so long," says Paige Boutwell.