Dr. Melanie Goan
Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of History
College of Arts and Sciences
melanie.goan@uky.eduHistory majors are trained to appreciate the significance and relevance of the past in order to understand the varied and diverse historical creators of the present. The program emphasizes the development of critical faculties, including the identification of historical problems, their contextualization, and the ability to interpret, synthesize, and analyze historical texts and sources.
A degree in history, much like many of the other liberal arts degree’s, provides degree holders with a unique set of skills to adapt to an ever changing career environment. A degree in a liberal arts major like history provides individuals with a broader range of skills that can be adapted to a vast reservoir of career fields.
Career opportunities in History
History is the study of the most important and exciting events that have ever occurred, providing students with a wide ranging introduction to modern societies, cultures, and global events. The program provides rigorous instruction in critical thinking, writing, and composition. As one of the broadest and most diverse disciplines in academia, history provides students with connections to numerous other programs and opportunities across campus.
Any student earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree must complete a minimum of 39 hours at the 300+ level. These hours are generally completed by the major requirements. However, keep this hour requirement in mind as you choose your course work for the requirements in the major. Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree must complete a minimum of 60 hours in biological, physical, mathematical and/or computer sciences. See the complete description of College requirements for a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sciences degrees in the Arts and Sciences section of the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin.
Total Credit Hours - 30
Total Hours - 6
Core Requirements
Other Course Work Required by the Major
Course Work from Outside the Department
Total Hours - 45
Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$126,930
per year in 2018
Number of Jobs
813,900
in 2018
10 Year Job Outlook
32,300
new jobs (average)
The majority of lawyers work in private and corporate legal offices. Some work for federal, local, and state governments. Most work full time and many work more than 40 hours a week.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreUnderstanding that over 70 percent of university students will change their declared major at least once during their college careers, the College of Arts and Sciences has developed an Exploratory Studies program for students who have yet to decide the specific field of study that most closely aligns both their personal interests and their professional career goals and objectives. The Exploratory Studies Program provides students with an extraordinarily diverse educational environment that includes coursework spanning Math and Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences and provides students with the unique opportunity to explore multiple areas of interest during their first several semesters on campus. For more information please contact a recruiting representative at asrecruting@uky.edu.
While there are endless ways to create an unforgettable journey as a Wildcat, we can only think of one that gives you the chance to step outside the classroom and into exploring new parts of the world around you: participating in an Education Abroad opportunity! Whether it’s in a study, research, service, or internship program, taking your UK experience international with EA is the most hands-on way for you to expand your global perspective while making yourself a more well-rounded, marketable candidate to future employers no matter your field. As you take these first steps towards investing in your future, EA encourages you to take advantage of all the opportunities UK has to offer. Take a look at some of the many suggested opportunities UK Education Abroad & Exchanges has to complement your major! #ukyabroad
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Dr. Melanie Goan
Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of History
College of Arts and Sciences
melanie.goan@uky.eduCollege of Arts & Sciences
202 Patterson Office Tower
