Why Study History?
The study of history is one of the oldest courses of study, and, along with literature and philosophy, remains one of the pillars of a liberal arts education. History allows students to better understand diverse peoples and societies. It also teaches how those societies and cultures were created and how they have changed through time. The examination of the past gives insight into human morality and identity and teaches good citizenship. Peter N. Stearns has an excellent article on the reasons to study history.
The skills history teaches—critical reading, advanced research, the ways in which evidence can be used to create arguments, superb writing, and oral presentation proficiency—are essential to any number of careers. Undergraduate history majors from Southern Miss have gone on to some of the finest graduate and law schools in the country, while others have established successful careers in a number of fields.