Students that seek knowledge of the past can choose to major in history at ULM and gain even more knowledge, skills and experience than expected.

The history major demands critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze events of the past and their significance.

“I chose to be a history major because I wanted to learn more about something I loved,” Lauren Couvillion, a freshman history major, said. “I have loved history ever since sophomore year of high school and when it got time for me a pick a major, there was no contest. I knew then that I wanted to know more about how we got where we are today.”

ULM’s program offers students flexibility in a bachelors degree and masters degree on campus and entirely online.

This online option assists non-traditional students who would like to implement their study of history into a busy lifestyle.

A minor in history is available to students and requires 21 hours of history courses.

The major requires students to choose a minor.  This requirement helps to satisfy the goal of creating well-rounded students who can apply their knowledge and skills developed by their courses in history in other subjects as well.

The program has also had many opportunities for studying abroad in the past.

Students have traveled to places such as Egypt, France, Greece, England, Germany and other locations that are rich in history as demonstrated by architecture and other art forms.

Monica Bontty, the history department head and graduate coordinator, emphasizes the importance of students in any major taking the chance to study abroad.

She also explains the reasoning behind learning the history of different places around the world as the need to be connected on a global level.

“We live in a global society,” Bontty said.

Bontty also emphasized the ability to pair history with another field, such as languages or political science.

History also offers winter session courses in cities like Cairo, Athens, Paris and London.

The next study abroad for the history department is set for Normandy in 2014 according to walkacrosshistory.com

A history honor society, Phi Theta Alpha, develops students’ interest and knowledge of the past.

The requirement is a 3.0 GPA overall and a 3.1 GPA in history courses.  ULM’s Epsilon Tau chapter was founded in 1956 and is run by Jeffrey Anderson.

Students may also join the Ancient World Association, a cultural club that also encourages short-term travel abroad.

Career opportunities are endless for history majors depending on their interests and desired field.

One in five history majors often go into a business or marketing job.

Others may pursue careers in law, education, foreign affairs, state and federal civil service, public relations, government and many other fields.

Those who continue a study in history and specifically focus on American history can earn an annual median salary of $57,000 salaries.

History majors will vary with a number of factors like location and focus.

If students are interested in learning about the world around them by professors that are Egyptologists, African-American historians or Native American specialists; history may be for them. Knowing the past helps lead to a better future.