Department of History and Leadership

Understand the Present by Studying the Past

The Department of History and Leadership embraces the people and places of the past and examines the complex interplay of culture, ideas and everyday life.

Through studying the people, events and ideas of the past, students gain an understanding of issues that face society today — in the United States and globally. By learning about the past, you’ll learn how to better understand people whose lives, cultures and beliefs are different from your own. These skills and understanding are attributes of the accomplished historian and are widely valued by employers and graduate schools. Knowing how to think historically will help you become a better leader and succeed in various careers.

Explore Our History Program

The Department of History and Leadership offers a Bachelor of Arts in History as well as a History minor. As a student of history, you’ll learn to think critically about events of the past, sort fact from myth, and understand what the past can teach us about being a better leader and building a better future. You’ll develop employer-valued skills in analytical thinking, communication and working across cultures.

BA in History

The Classroom and Beyond

Students in the Department of History and Leadership are challenged to pursue research projects throughout their degree program. You’ll be required to produce research papers in particular subjects and will have multiple opportunities to produce work worthy of presentation.

As you progress through your coursework, you are trained in historical methods where you learn how historians think, argue, research and write. You’ll learn how to design a research project, frame a key question of inquiry, locate primary and secondary sources, read them critically, reach an evidence-based interpretation, and present your work. You’ll also discover how historians draw on other disciplines such as statistics, psychology, sociology, economics, anthropology and political science.

Austin has a large number of archives and other sources of historical materials for students to use. This provides firsthand experience with archival materials.

As a History major, you may present at conferences such as the World History Association of Texas, Phi Alpha Theta (history honor society) and St. Edward's Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). Current students have the opportunity to apply for the McNair Fellowship. Our graduates have also been awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship.

Connect with peers and professionals who share your interests. Get involved with student organizations on campus that support your goals. Learn and work together to promote the study of history. Attend networking events and workshops, and hear from guest speakers.

Hilltop Historians (History Club)

The Hilltop Historians facilitate fellowship among students with an interest in any aspect of history. Through bi-monthly events, the club promotes historical awareness and preservation through academic meetings and movie nights.

Phi Alpha Theta (PAT)

Phi Alpha Theta is a professional society that promotes the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication, and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. The organization brings together students, teachers and writers of history for intellectual and social exchanges, which promote and assist historical research and publication by their members.

Students within the Department of History and Leadership are encouraged to participate in an internship to gain experience in the field.