Program Overview

History Major

The History Major at Plattsburgh State University of New York is designed to help students develop critical thinking skills and learn how to think intelligently about the ways history shapes our world. Students study with energetic and talented professors committed to student success.

What Will I Learn?

In this program, students expand their knowledge of Western and non-Western history in survey courses. They also dive into thematic courses in Adirondack history, the history of medicine, popular culture, religion, and migration. Additionally, students hone their critical thinking, communication, research, and writing skills in small upper-division seminars, which focus on intensive discussion of historical documents and competing interpretations. Students also conduct their own independent research, evaluating a variety of sources for their credibility, position, and perspective.

What is Unique About Our Program?

The History Major at Plattsburgh State University of New York is not just about history. Students in this program learn the art of analytic and critical reading, and the importance of clear, concise, and compelling writing. They learn how to put people and events into context and evaluate issues from multiple perspectives. Students also learn how to conduct responsible, independent research using both traditional and the newest digital tools. Furthermore, they learn how to make strong, effective arguments supported by empirical evidence.

What Are My Career Opportunities?

Graduates of the History Major at Plattsburgh State University of New York go on to work in various fields, including:

• Teacher
• Political research and government
• Lawyer
• Research for radio, television, and digital media
• Museum curator
• Grant writing
• Librarian

Program Requirements

The program requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in History and the Bachelor of Science in History are available, outlining the necessary courses and credits for each degree.

Internships

The History Department provides numerous internship opportunities for students, allowing them to gain practical, real-world experience. To be eligible for an internship, a student must have a GPA of 3.0 or better and be willing to work independently off campus. Applications should be submitted before the academic semester in which the internship is expected to begin.

Internship Partners

The department has partnered with various organizations to offer internships, including:

• Adirondack History Center Museum and Essex County Historical Society
• Adirondack Museum
• Champlain Valley Transportation Museum
• Clinton County Historians Office
• Clinton County Historical Association
• KentDelord House Museum
• Lake Placid Olympic Museum
• North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association
• Shelburne Museum
• Special Collections, Feinberg Library
• War of 1812 Museum and Cold War Museum

Additional Degrees in History

The university also offers additional degrees in History, including:

• History Adolescence Education Combined B.A./M.S.T.
• History Minor

Internship Profiles

Several students have completed internships through the History Department, including:

• Steffaney Wilcox at Adirondack Museum
• Jackie Mead at Montpelier
• Samantha Johnson in Sherbrooke

These internships provide students with hands-on experience in historical research, education, and preservation, preparing them for careers in various fields.