History
Explore your love of history at Longwood in historic Farmville, Virginia. We are home to Civil war and Civil Rights landmarks and award-winning faculty who will help you interpret the history of our state, nation and world.
Career Paths
With a Longwood History degree you will have a direct role in how the past affects the present.
- Archivist
- Professional Historian
- Museum Curator
- Educators and Education Administrators
- Government and Law
- Public History
- Librarians
- National, State, and Local Park Administrators
- Private Non-Profit Organizers and Directors
What You'll Study
Major
It’s no cliché that you’ll learn how the past still shapes the present and future. We’ll take you in deep on that journey, exploring controversy, mastering professional standards, asking real questions, and collaborating on research. As your interests mature, you can choose further concentrations like education, law, or public history.
History and Social Science Secondary Education
Do you see yourself helping students unlock their full potential? After completing Longwood’s teacher preparation program, you will graduate with a BA in History and a Virginia teaching license. You will be eligible to teach courses in US and World History, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Government, and Geography from sixth through twelfth grade.
Sample 4-Year Plan
Pre-Law, History
Longwood’s Pre-law program is designed to prepare you for law school and other careers in the legal profession. You will develop your communication and analytical skills to prepare for the LSAT. Our faculty will guide you toward appropriate internships and help you choose the best law school for you.
Public History
Do you enjoy digging into the past at a historic site? Public historians work in museums, archives, and national, state, and local parks. They preserve artifacts and documents, and help interpret our history.
History majors specializing in public history work in the local community, at regional historic sites, and in state and national parks through collaborative engagement in the classroom and in the field. Students have secured internships and employment with institutions ranging from the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian to the National Park Service and the Robert Russa Moton Museum.
The Public History Concentration requires 18 hours of coursework in public history, including an internship. Students also take additional courses in related disciplines such as anthropology, art history, and computer science. Students will explore the theoretical, methodological, and practical applications of public history in a variety of courses, including:
- Public History
- Oral History
- Digital History
- Historic Preservation
- Museum Studies
- Archival Management
- Virginia History
- Public History Internship
Additionally, students will work closely with the Director of Public History to identify and complete 6-9 hours of interdisciplinary coursework in anthropology, archaeology, art history, geography, and/or information systems.
Minor
The minor in History requires six courses. You’ll take required core courses in American History and in World History or Western Civilization. You will then work closely with your advisor to pick elective courses in your area of interest.
Courses
Get the skills emphasized in the study of history: the ability to think critically, a strong background in research and organization, and the ability to communicate effectively in History courses — including Modern Western Civilization, United States History Colonial Times to 1877 and Historical Methods.
