UNC Asheville’s history majors investigate some of life’s biggest questions: What is the nature of humanity? What motivates us? How does the past influence our future?

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Why Study History at UNC Asheville?

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Ask Questions, Investigate Answers

UNC Asheville’s liberal arts focus challenges history majors to investigate more than just the past; to study history is to understand change. Students learn research techniques, sharpen their writing skills, and apply them to the study of African-American history, U.S. history, the history of cultures around the world, and the history of ideas. Small classes featuring group discussions help students hone their communication skills, preparing them for careers in business, law, education, government, communications, politics, multimedia, and more.

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Complete a Capstone Thesis Project

Take the opportunity to delve deep into historical research and analysis through our capstone thesis project. Engage in rigorous academic inquiry as you craft an original piece of scholarship, demonstrating your mastery of historical concepts and critical thinking skills. This culminating experience not only highlights your expertise in the field, but also equips you with the invaluable skills necessary for success in graduate studies or a career in history. For future employers or admission committees, the Senior Thesis provides the history graduate with clear evidence of their ability to research, write, and think.

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Become an Educator

Interested in pursuing a career in teaching? Choose between the general major in history or a history major with teaching licensure, which includes coursework from the Education Department. In these classes, you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a middle or high school social studies teacher in the state of North Carolina. Contact the appropriate licensure advisor for more information and review the catalog to explore the required coursework.

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History Scholarships and Awards Available

Funding your education can be challenging; however, in the history bachelor’s degree program, you have options. Aside from funding opportunities such as federal financial student aid, history majors can look forward to scholarship opportunities such as the North Carolina History Award, the Greenawalt/Ready Senior Thesis Award, Ruth and Leon Feldman Award, the Mark Lawson Scholarship, and the Mitchell History Fellow Scholarship. There are also awards for travel research.

History Scholarship Information

Student and Alumni Spotlight

How does the most powerful person in the nation affect our day-to-day lives? In answering this question, UNC Asheville history alumnus Zach Dorcas brings insight into issues of our contemporary world through his research concerning the Era of Good Feelings and the political landscape of 18th-century Kentucky. Exploring both the local and national implications of the Era, Zach’s research gained acceptance to the Appalachian Studies Conference.

Emily Cadmus

“I have been surprised at how much this endeavor has fostered my personal growth and self-confidence.”

Emily Cadmus, Class of ’22

Amanda Glenn Bradley on The Chase

See how history major and librarian Amanda Glenn-Bradley (Class of 2013) appeared on the national quiz show The Chase.

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History students on a summer abroad trip to Italy

In 2023, students in the Italy: Ancient to Modern, The North study abroad trip used historical sites as their classroom.

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Outside the Classroom

Beyond the classroom, many students at UNC Asheville have the opportunity to complete their own undergraduate research through our Undergraduate Research Program (URP), which allows students to undertake a research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Additionally, our students regularly present their original historical research at venues such as the Appalachian Studies Association annual meeting, the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, regional Phi Alpha Theta meetings, the Big SURS Undergraduate Research Symposium, and on-campus symposia.

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Internships

UNC Asheville history majors can receive course credit and valuable experience through internships with archives, museums, and historic or government agencies. Students have recently served as interns at the Thomas Wolfe House, the Vance Birthplace, UNC Asheville Special Collections, the Smith-McDowell House, and the Swannanoa Valley Museum in nearby Black Mountain.

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Western North Carolina & Southern Appalachia Conference

Every year, Associate Professor of History Darin Waters leads the African Americans in Western North Carolina & Southern Appalachia Conference, hosted by UNC Asheville. This conference brings together scholars and community activists from various disciplines to discuss critical issues faced by communities of color in the Appalachian region. Through presentations and discussions, the conference aims to create an inclusive environment for scholars to engage with each other and the community.

Meet the Faculty

The Department of History’s faculty and students explore a range of concepts through research projects, presentations, and collaborative and creative work. Our experienced faculty members have diverse backgrounds and expertise and thrive on mentoring each of their students.

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Sarah Judson

Sarah Judson, Ph.D.

Chair & Professor of History

Office: 203 Whitesides Hall
Phone: (828) 251-6297
Email: sjudson@unca.edu
Laura LaGrone

Laura LaGrone

Department Assistant

Office: 215 Whitesides Hall
Phone: (828) 251-6415
Email: llagrone@unca.edu

Ellen Holmes Pearson, Ph.D.

Chair & Professor of History

Office: 203 Whitesides Hall
Phone: (828) 251-6297
Email: sjudson@unca.edu
Abena Boakyewa-Ansah, Ph.D.

Abena Boakyewa-Ansah, Ph.D.

University Fellow

Alvis E. Dunn, Ph.D.

Alvis E. Dunn, Ph.D.

HUM 324 Coordinator ; Associate Professor

Office: 206 Whitesides Hall
Phone: (828) 251-6620
Email: adunn1@unca.edu
Dan Pierce, Ph.D.

Dan Pierce, Ph.D.

Mountain South Distinguished Professor

Office: 203 Whitesides Hall
Phone: (828) 232-2996
Email: dpierce@unca.edu
Eric Roubinek, Ph.D.

Eric Roubinek, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Office: 208 Whitesides Hall
Phone: (828) 232-6256
Email: eroubine@unca.edu
Samer Traboulsi, Ph.D.

Samer Traboulsi, Ph.D.

Professor

Office: 205 Whitesides Hall
Phone: (828) 251-6298
Email: straboul@unca.edu
Grant Hardy, Ph.D.

Grant Hardy, Ph.D.

Professor of History & Religious Studies

Office: 220 Whitesides Hall
Phone: (828) 251-6344
Email: ghardy@unca.edu
Tracey Rizzo

Tracey Rizzo, Ph.D.

Professor of History & Interim Dean of Humanities

Office: 204 Whitesides Hall
Phone: (828) 251-6315
Email: trizzo@unca.edu

Careers With a Degree in History

A history bachelor’s degree opens the door to a wide range of exciting career paths that value critical thinking, research skills, and a deep understanding of the human experience. Alumni often enjoy careers in business, law, education, government, communications, politics, and multimedia, among other industries. Many students also pursue licensure to teach at the K-12 level. In addition, some students may pursue an advanced or specialized degree to work as historians, archivists, museum curators, professors, and more.

Graduates pursue diverse careers, including business, journalism, sportswriting, banking, politics, medicine, military service, and ministry. Many work for government agencies at all levels as researchers, analysts, planners, public information officers, and more. Some graduates even become college professors. Our students also go on to advanced studies at prestigious universities such as Wake Forest, UNC-Chapel Hill, Georgetown, and Purdue, among others.

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Shape the Future by Understanding the Past in UNC Asheville’s History Major

Here, we believe that the key to shaping a brighter future lies in our ability to understand and learn from the past. By enrolling in our program, you embark on an intellectual journey that spans centuries and continents. From ancient civilizations to modern revolutions, explore the rich tapestry of human history, gaining valuable insights into the complexities of the world we live in today.

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Contact Us 

Department of History
Phone: 828.251.6415
Email: history@unca.edu