Lamar University launches applied history degree focused on real-world career skills

Lamar University (LU) is launching a new Bachelor of Applied History program designed to combine traditional historical study with technical training, communication skills and hands-on professional experience.

The interdisciplinary undergraduate degree reflects a twenty-first century vision for history education, pairing historians' strengths in critical thinking, research and writing with applied skills intended to broaden career opportunities for graduates.

"We are starting up a third-degree plan, the Bachelor of Applied History," Dr. Jeff Forret, a university professor involved in developing the program said.

Unlike traditional history degree tracks, the Applied History program includes several built-in professional components. A required internship allows students to gain work experience in settings tied to their interests and career goals.

"There is a mandatory internship where they will have a three-credit class out in a museum, place of business, or what have you," Forret said.

According to the program description, students may complete internships at museums or archives across Southeast Texas, television stations, or in business and industrial workplaces.

The degree also requires students to complete a minor in communication, including coursework in media writing, screenwriting, digital editing, film production and historical documentary production.

"There is a required minor in communication where students will take courses in documentary filmmaking, screenwriting, and things like that to open up additional employment pathways," Forret said.

In addition, students pursuing the degree will earn a Geographic Information Systems, or GIS, certificate through Lamar University's geology department. The certification provides training in locating, mapping, preserving, cataloging and analyzing historical data while examining spatial and temporal relationships between historical documents, people and places.

Forret said the program is rooted in the idea that history students develop versatile skills applicable across industries. "If you can think critically, analyze evidence, and write well," he said, "that makes you among a pretty elite group of people."

Career pathways highlighted by the program include museums, television and film production, publishing, government agencies, the military, business and industry.

The Applied History degree arrives as universities nationwide continue to reevaluate how humanities programs connect classroom learning with workforce preparation. While maintaining the research and writing foundation of a traditional history degree, LU's new program aims to position students for careers both inside and outside academia.

Forret said the degree is intended to show students that historical training extends beyond teaching or graduate school. Instead, he said, it equips students with adaptable skills that can translate into a broad range of professions.

Interested students can apply via ApplyTexas or Common App.

To learn more about the Department of History, https://www.lamar.edu/arts-sciences/history/.