History (B.A.)

Program Information

• History Major

  The History B.A. curriculum is designed to give students both depth and breadth across world regions, historical periods and major themes shaping social, political and economic change. Students build strong skills in critical reading, research and effective writing while developing a global perspective grounded in context and evidence. A History degree prepares graduates for a wide range of careers and provides a strong foundation for graduate or professional study.

  To ensure this broad academic experience, all History majors complete coursework in:

  • U.S. History
  • European History
  • Non-Western History
  • History Seminars
• Minor Required

  A minor is required for this major.* (Credits will vary)

  The Department of History offers minors in ancient studies, asian studies, and history. 

  • Minor: Ancient Studies 
  • Minor: Asian Studies 
  • Minor: History

  The minor must be selected from the list of approved minors, including those outside the college of the major.

  See List of Minors in the Undergraduate Catalog. Minors are generally completed during the last 60 credit hours of your program. Your minor may require prerequisites, so choosing a minor early is beneficial. See your Advisor to declare a minor.

  *Double majors are exempt from a minor.

• About our Minors

  Ancient Studies Minor

  Ancient Studies is an interdisciplinary minor designed to provide students with a concentrated study of the ancient world through philosophical traditions, ideas and intellectual frameworks that shaped early civilizations. Students pursuing a minor in Ancient Studies explore how ancient thinkers grappled with enduring questions about ethics, knowledge, religion, politics and human existence across cultures and regions.

  For more information, please contact Dr. David Sheffler.

  Asian Studies Minor

  The Asian Studies minor offers an interdisciplinary exploration of South, Southeast and East Asia, bringing together courses from across the humanities and social sciences. Administered by the Department of History, the program allows students to examine Asia through historical, cultural, philosophical and social perspectives.

  Courses are taught by faculty from history, religion, literature, philosophy, sociology, political science, business and education, giving students the opportunity to study Asia from the perspective of its peoples while developing a comparative understanding of Asia’s role in global civilization.

  Students pursuing the Asian Studies minor must receive approval from a member of the Asian Studies faculty. For more information, please contact Dr. Chau Kelly.

  History Minor

  The history minor invites students to explore how people, ideas and events from the past continue to shape the world today. Through a flexible selection of courses, students gain historical perspective, strengthen critical thinking and add valuable context to any major or career path.

  For more information, please contact Dr. David Sheffler.

• Foreign Language / Foreign Cultures Requirements

  Foreign Language (8 CHs)/Foreign Culture Requirement (6 CHs): All BA students in the College of Arts and Sciences are required to complete either (i) the Foreign Language option or (ii) the Foreign Culture option, in either case with grades of C or higher. Learn more. 

• Tuition
  Tuition, fees, and textbooks make up most of the costs to students. Detailed information regarding tuition and all general fees can be found on the UNF Tuition website.

Internships for History Students

• Why Consider an Internship?

  An internship helps history students develop practical skills and explore career paths while still in college. Many students use internships as a stepping stone to full time employment or graduate study.

  • Gain professional experience employers value
  • Apply research, writing and analytical skills outside the classroom
  • Build connections with museums, cultural organizations and public agencies
  • Explore careers in historic preservation, public history and community engagement

  Internship opportunities may include work in historic preservation, museum collections, exhibit design, oral history and cultural resources interpretation.

• How to Arrange an Internship

  Students may explore internship opportunities through the department, local organizations or on their own. Once an opportunity is identified, students must meet with the department chair for approval before applying.

  1. Identify an internship opportunity that matches your interests
  2. Schedule a meeting with Dr. David Sheffler to discuss the opportunity
  3. Apply to the sponsoring organization after departmental approval
  4. Obtain permission to register once the position is offered

  Undergraduate students register for HIS 4940 and must complete at least 160 hours. Internships earn three elective credits and may be completed up to two times for a maximum of six credits.

  Internships do not substitute for required 4000 or 6000 level seminars.

• Recent Internship Sites

  In recent years, UNF history students have completed internships with a variety of respected organizations across Northeast Florida, including:

  • Durkeeville Historical Society
  • Museum of Science and History (MOSH)
  • The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
  • Jacksonville Historical Society
  • Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve and Fort Caroline National Memorial

  The Department of History also sponsors internships with additional museums, cultural institutions and public agencies throughout the region.

  Learn More

  For questions about internships or to begin the approval process, please contact:

  Dr. David Sheffler
  Chair, Department of History
  (904) 620-1856
  david.sheffler@unf.edu