The History and Government major provides students with a solid foundation in the liberal arts while offering focused training in two distinct but complementary, career-based tracks: history and government. The program is designed to develop critical thinking, strong research and writing skills, and an understanding of how past events and political institutions shape the present. Students engage with pivotal historical developments, political ideologies, and contemporary government issues and policies, preparing them for a wide range of professional and academic opportunities. By combining rigorous coursework with practical experiences such as internships, the program equips graduates with the tools necessary for leadership, civic engagement, and advanced study.
The History and Government program highlights the enduring value of the liberal arts in preparing students for meaningful careers and lifelong learning. Both tracks foster intellectual growth while encouraging civic engagement and professional development. Internships play a critical role, giving students hands-on experiences in schools, government offices, legal settings, and community organizations that strengthen their résumés and expand professional networks. Combined with preparation for graduate school, the program ensures that students not only understand their chosen fields but also possess the adaptability to thrive in a wide variety of career paths.
History Track
The History track emphasizes education and cultural understanding, making it particularly valuable for students interested in teaching, museum and archival work, public history, and roles in nonprofit or community organizations. Coursework ranges from world history surveys to specialized topics such as graphic history, the history of Georgia, and modern Southeast Asia. Students gain analytical skills essential for interpreting complex historical evidence, communicating insights effectively, and applying lessons from the past to contemporary challenges. Graduates often pursue careers in secondary education, educational policy, library science, or public service, and many continue on to graduate programs in history or education.
Government Track
The Government track is designed with a strong pre-law emphasis, preparing students for careers in law, public administration, and political leadership. Courses include constitutional law, governmental institutions, political ideologies, and American government, alongside specialized study in Georgia politics and national political issues. Students gain an understanding of legal systems, judicial processes, and governmental affairs, while honing skills in analysis and policy evaluation. Many graduates pursue law school, where their broad liberal arts background and training in political science serve as excellent preparation, while others find opportunities in government service, legal support positions, lobbying, or in business.
How a Piedmont History Degree Helps You
A history degree helps you develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills by examining past events, cultures, and systems to better understand the present. It prepares you for careers in education, law, public service, research, and communications by teaching you how to interpret evidence, construct arguments, and communicate effectively.
Craft and hone your critical thinking skills by studying a wide range of events, people, and places of the past – weighing what occurred so that we can learn from it.
Grow in your appreciation of history by learning in a variety of settings, including classrooms, museums, and historical sites.
Focus your study on particular periods or places.
Learn from and make professional connections via study abroad programs and internships.
Design your own research studies – an experience that can be vital for anyone with hopes of publishing in the future.
Career Opportunities
A history degree from Piedmont opens doors and a wide range of professional pursuits. For instance, our graduates have gone on to build successful careers in:
Archival management
A history degree provides training in analyzing, organizing, and preserving historical documents and records. It also equips you with research skills and historical context needed to maintain the integrity and accessibility of archival materials.
Genealogy
With a strong foundation in historical research and source evaluation, a history degree enables you to trace family lineages accurately. It also teaches you to interpret historical documents and understand the broader social and cultural contexts of ancestry.
Historical preservation
A background in history helps you recognize the cultural and historical value of buildings, artifacts, and landscapes. It also equips you to advocate for preservation efforts through research, documentation, and public education.
Museum curation
A history degree provides deep content knowledge and research skills essential for developing exhibits and managing collections. It also trains you to interpret artifacts and create educational experiences for museum visitors.
Historic site interpretation
With strong communication and storytelling skills, a history degree helps you bring historical events and figures to life for the public. It also provides the analytical tools needed to accurately represent different perspectives and time periods.
Historic site supervision
A degree in history prepares you to manage the operations and programming of historic sites while maintaining historical accuracy. It also helps you engage the public and oversee preservation and educational efforts.
Consulting
History graduates bring research expertise and contextual knowledge to consulting projects in areas like public policy, media, or heritage planning. They offer informed insights that help organizations make decisions grounded in historical context.
Research
A history degree trains you in source analysis, critical thinking, and synthesis of complex information—core skills for professional research roles. It also prepares you to uncover and interpret patterns, events, and developments over time.
Government
Knowledge of historical events, political systems, and cultural trends makes history graduates valuable in public policy, diplomacy, and legislative roles. A history degree also develops strong writing and analytical skills for use in government documentation and analysis.
Educational Administration
History graduates often bring strong organizational, research, and communication skills to administrative roles in education. Their understanding of academic systems and historical context supports policy-making and curriculum planning.
History Teaching
A degree in history directly supports teaching by providing deep knowledge of historical content, critical thinking, and source analysis. It also prepares educators to help students understand cause and effect, continuity, and change over time.
Social Studies teaching
A history degree offers the content knowledge and interdisciplinary perspective needed to teach topics in civics, geography, and economics alongside history. It also trains you to foster critical thinking and civic awareness in students.
Testimony
Kanler Cumbass
Associate • Education Strategy Group Alumni Trustee at Piedmont University
My experience in the History program at Piedmont University was transformative, equipping me with critical research skills and a deep understanding of historical context that have been essential to my early career in public policy. The coursework was rigorous, demanding analytical thinking and precise argumentation—skills that proved invaluable as I transitioned to graduate-level studies. Each class not only challenged me to think critically about historical narratives but also to connect them to contemporary issues. Faculty members were exceptionally supportive, encouraging my intellectual curiosity and growth as a researcher and writer. Piedmont’s History program gave me the tools and confidence to engage deeply with complex policy challenges, and I am immensely grateful for the preparation it provided.”
Testimony
Chase Morris
Social Studies Department Head Boys Tennis Coach Hillgrove High School
“Throughout my time at Piedmont University, I was able to hone important skills needed to become an educator. Not only did I learn the historical information needed to be a Social Studies teacher, but I also learned how to improve my writing and oratory skills. The faculty is top-notch. They teach courses that combine rigor, experience, and knowledge of their content that is second to none. The professors also make it their mission to ensure that they get to know their students and create a personal relationship with them that goes beyond simply learning their name and where they came from. The professors make a concerted effort to get to know their students and ensure that they feel safe and supported in the classroom. Further, the professors commanded a certain professionalism that is needed in the world of education. I would choose Piedmont again and again, if I could do it all over again.”
More About History
Learn more about History and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
Degree Requirements
As part of Piedmont University’s College of Arts & Sciences, history majors will complete a varied and rigorous curriculum based on our liberal arts approach to education. History majors must complete six required history courses, as well as six more history electives. There will also be ample opportunity for study abroad and work experience via internships and our faculty’s relationship with various museums and historical societies.
Within our forensics program, students have two tracks to choose from: lab services for incoming laboratory scientists, and a second track that focuses on mastery of forensic disciplines. In the first track option, students take courses in forensic sciences, as well as chemistry, biology, and mathematics — all of which provide knowledge employers desire in their incoming forensic scientists. The second track is focused on mastery of the forensic disciplines, including documentation, mapping, photography, fingerprints or other imprint evidence, DNA, ballistics, bloodstain patterns, and more. No matter which track you choose, you will also take specialty courses such as crime scene photography, evidence documentation, and courtroom procedure to obtain knowledge and experiences not typically offered in forensic science programs.
Understand the Human Experience
The study of history leads to the understanding and appreciation of the heritage of humans. History majors improve their knowledge of historical information, learn to think critically about historical events and improve their reading and writing abilities.
Expand Your Career Horizons
Not only do history majors work in venues such as colleges and universities, legal firms, museums, and historical societies, they may choose to complete the History Education major at Piedmont University after consulting with their history advisor.Majors in history and history education may participate in visits to historical sites in the Southeast and locally as well as history-related exhibits in Atlanta. Additionally, Maymester trips offer unique opportunities for travel to national and international historical sites. Internships are options that can enhance students’ academic experience and future professional prospects. Standard internship options are available as well as those discovered and developed by students.
Gain Experience in Research, Writing
Nearing the end of the program, students enrolled in relevant courses design their own research studies on topics of special interest to them. This experience could prove crucial for those students who hope to go on to publish for a living. Many historians create nonfiction works that captivate audiences around the globe. At Piedmont, your experience can help you prepare for that professional pursuit.
What could be your future
Related Programs
Intrigued by History? You might also be interested in one of these programs:
Our History faculty are passionate scholars and educators who specialize in exploring and interpreting the past through critical analysis of historical events, cultures, and sources. They guide students in developing research, writing, and analytical skills while fostering a deeper understanding of how history shapes the modern world.
To begin your journey toward becoming a History student at Piedmont University, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in the Arts & Sciences department.
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