Exploring History Programs at the University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota (USD) Department of History offers a wide array of programs designed to cultivate critical thinking, research acumen, and a deep understanding of the human experience. The department, which also houses programs in philosophy and Native American studies, alongside supporting the women, gender and sexuality studies program, distinguishes itself through its commitment to fostering curiosity and community. Students benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio, which allows for personalized mentorship from acclaimed scholars and researchers.

Undergraduate Programs: Building a Foundation in Historical Analysis

USD's undergraduate history program is designed to equip students with essential skills applicable to various career paths. History majors develop strong reading, writing, research, and critical thinking skills through the exploration of past and contemporary human experiences. The curriculum emphasizes the use of evidence to interpret information, construct narratives, and formulate persuasive arguments.

Versatility of a History Degree

A history major at USD opens doors to diverse career paths, including law, teaching, librarianship, marketing, technology, museum work, and journalism. The history minor serves as a valuable complement to other majors such as English, political science, legal studies, and Spanish, broadening students' perspectives and skill sets.

Hands-on Learning and Internships

Beyond traditional classroom learning, USD emphasizes real-world experiences. History majors can participate in hands-on learning opportunities both regionally and internationally. Internships provide invaluable experience, with students interning locally at institutions such as the South Dakota Oral History Center and the USD Archives. Typical internships involve a minimum of 135 verifiable hours of work at the internship site, earning students three credit hours applicable to their major or minor requirements.

Student Organizations and Scholarships

USD is home to over 180 student organizations, many of which are housed within the Department of History. These organizations foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for students to engage with their peers and faculty. Additionally, the department offers scholarships like the Carl Christol Memorial Scholarship and the Reaves Family History Scholarship to support undergraduate history students.

Bachelor's Degree Options

The University of South Dakota offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in History. For students interested in teaching at the secondary level, the department also offers a specific track. Those seeking secondary school certification must complete additional coursework and testing through the School of Education.

Graduate Programs: Advanced Study and Career Advancement

The University of South Dakota distinguishes itself as the state's only institution offering a master's program in history. The Master of Arts (M.A.) in History program is designed to provide personal, intensive mentorship and advanced training in historical research and writing. The program celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022.

Program Overview

A master’s degree in history from USD prepares graduates for careers as teachers, historians, archivists, librarians, or museum professionals. The curriculum allows students to concentrate on various areas within American and European history. The university's library holdings are particularly strong in regional, Native American, and 20th-century United States history, providing ample resources for graduate research.

The M.A. program requires 30-33 credit hours and is available in both thesis and non-thesis options. Thesis students are required to complete an oral examination, while non-thesis students must pass written and oral examinations. A maximum of six graduate transfer credits may be applied, subject to departmental approval. At least 50% of the program of study must be at the 700-level or above.

Career Prospects and Skill Development

Graduates of the M.A. program are well-prepared for further academic pursuits, such as a Ph.D., or for careers as independent historians, museum professionals, or advanced secondary educators. The program emphasizes the development of sophisticated research skills and advanced writing abilities, enhancing career prospects and earning potential.

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Accelerated Master’s Program

USD offers an accelerated 4+1 program, allowing undergraduate History majors to concurrently complete their B.A./B.S. and M.A. degrees. Students can apply for admission to the M.A. program after completing 75 undergraduate credit hours and begin taking graduate-level courses upon completing 90 undergraduate credit hours. Up to 12 credits applied toward the B.A. or B.S. program may be used to satisfy graduate credit.

Specific restrictions apply to the accelerated program: students must be admitted to the program before taking courses for graduate credit, and only courses taken at USD are eligible for accelerated program credit. Dual-listed courses and seminars at the 500-level can be applied to both undergraduate and graduate degrees. After admission, students may enroll in 700-level seminars and required courses with pre-approval.

Graduate Assistantships and Funding

The Department of History awards graduate assistantships in history and religious studies annually. These assistantships provide paid employment, discounted tuition rates, and valuable professional experience. USD also offers opportunities for summer study in Greece through its corporate membership in The American School of Classical Studies at Athens.

Experiential Learning and Conferences

The department hosts the annual Phi Alpha Theta Student History Conference, providing a platform for students to present and critique papers, simulating a professional history conference experience. USD students actively pursue unique research and present at local and national conferences. The annual IdeaFest celebrates student research, creative scholarship, and academic engagement.

Additional Programs and Opportunities

American Civic Traditions Certificate

USD offers a certificate in American civic traditions, allowing students to explore contemporary issues of social, political, cultural, and community significance. This program is designed to immerse students in the study of American civic traditions, enhancing their understanding of contemporary societal challenges.

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Museum and Archive Studies Certificate

The university also provides a museum and archive studies certificate program, offering professional training and internship opportunities for students interested in preserving historical artwork and working in museums, archives, or historical organizations. This certificate includes potential internship experiences at the W.H. Over Museum.

Location Matters for Non-Licensure Track Programs

It's important to note that certain programs are not designed to lead to professional licenses or certifications required for employment. USD operates under the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA), allowing it to offer online courses and degree programs to residents in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Supervised field study experiences, such as internships, are authorized in South Dakota, but restrictions may apply outside of the state.

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