"What is Past is Prologue"— This Shakespearian inscription adorns the statue called “Future” outside the north entrance to the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration building. It is an inspiring way to think about not only why history matters, but also why history matters at Texas A&M University. We are a dynamic department, committed to shaping thinkers for the world to come by sharing our knowledge of the human past.
Our world-class faculty members—numbering 42 strong and growing—believe that nothing exists “outside of history.” One of our collective strengths as award-winning educators and researchers is situating complex human experiences within the rich social, cultural, and environmental contexts that informed them. And we deeply value the opportunity to share our understanding of those experiences with the world.
The Texas A&M University Department of History offers both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. We serve over 400 majors and nearly 200 minors. In terms of courses, we are most proud of HIST 280 and HIST 481. In HIST 280—The Historian’s Craft—our majors learn the meanings and uses of history, as well as the principles and methods of the historical profession. In HIST 481—the capstone seminar—our majors become experts by deeply researching primary and secondary sources on a topic of their choice to craft a polished piece of historical scholarship. And if you are not a History major, we offer over 25 introductory level courses, several of which are in the university’s core curriculum, and well over 100 upper-level courses in a variety of subjects. You might also be interested in one of our two exciting certificate programs: Legal History and Teaching. Both are open to majors and non-majors.
We also offer a 5-year BA/MA dual degree option for those ambitious students seeking a stellar launch pad for their future careers. It is a great way to prepare for a wide variety of professions, as well as advancing into a PhD program. Students apply to this rigorous program in the spring of their junior year.
Our graduate program offers both the MA and PhD in History. We produce first-rate historians in a wide variety of fields. Our students have a terrific track record of securing both internal and external fellowships and grants, as well as internships and other professional development opportunities. In part through our participation in the American Historical Association’s Career Diversity Initiative funded by the Andrew Mellon Foundation, we have been particularly successful in helping students maximize their training while securing rewarding careers within and beyond academia.
The Department of History at Texas A&M University has been my academic home for nearly two decades and I hope to share it with you in one of our classes. Please email or call if I can do anything to help further your interest in studying history.
Come join our vibrant community – we look forward to welcoming you!
Angela Pulley Hudson
Head, Department of History
aphudson@tamu.edu
979-845-7170