About

History is a highly versatile major. Appalachian State University’s history students develop valuable analytical skills that they take with them into many careers, and their experience in evaluating ideas and information, examining and interpreting evidence and developing a world view helps them become expert decision-makers. They’re also cool people to talk with because they can speak on many different topics.

Appalachian’s History (BS) - Multidisciplinary degree is ideal for students with diverse interests or who wish to tailor a history degree to their specific career aspirations, or who are particularly interested in public service. Students have pursued business, law, criminal justice, national security, foreign service, the promotion of Appalachia, public service, public relations, religion, technology and the arts. This degree has flexibility and has been beneficial to students who have had to leave college at some point and wish to come back and complete their degree.

Classes in Appalachian’s Department of History are taught by well-published professional historians who are dedicated to preparing students for life and careers in the 21st century. They welcome students who desire opportunities to conduct research with them and attend or present at conferences. 

After Graduation

Employment: Graduates work in business, government, museums and historical sites, archives, cultural resource management, journalism, public service, cultural tourism, and other career paths.

Graduate School: Many graduates have pursued professional degrees in law, medicine, seminary, museum studies, library science, economics, political science, and other fields.

Career Exploration Website

People

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  Alumnus Profile: Brad Wilson ’75

  “Why Appalachian for history? For the same reasons they should consider Appalachian for any course of study. Outstanding faculty who truly care and are engaged with their students. A nurturing, challenging, friendly academic environment. A place where academics, the arts and athletics are in balance; where excellence is valued.”

  – Brad Wilson ’75, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

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  Faculty Profile: Amy Hudnall

  Amy Hudnall has had multiple life and career paths before teaching at Appalachian, which enriches what she can offer to students.

  Meet more faculty

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  Student Profile: Kevin Tierney

  “The faculty are all so happy to teach what they do, and being so knowledgeable, they will help students with any questions they may have.”

  – history major Kevin Tierney

Related Programs

• History (BA)
• History (BS) - Applied and Public History
• History, Social Studies Education (BS)

Minors

A minor is optional. Many students choose Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science or another discipline within the humanities.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

History Club – This student club stimulates interest in history, promotes a closer association of students and faculty, and provides a common meeting ground for all those interested in history.

Phi Alpha Theta – An honors society whose mission is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

The Department of History offers three regularly scheduled faculty-led, short-term summer study abroad programs:

• Ireland/Spain - “Religious and Ethnic Conflict in Western Europe: Ireland and Spain,” every other year
• Germany, Poland or Israel - “The Holocaust: History, Memory and the Politics of Representation,” every other year with support from the Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies
• United Kingdom - “Postindustrial Wales,” on demand

Admission Requirements

There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.