<p>I currently go to a Virginia community college, where I am a history / bio major. Moved up here from Europe over a year ago for college (though I am also a US citizen), and figured starting out at a community college..and then moving up to a four year university would be the way to go.</p>
<p>Right now I am a Junior, and about to enter my fourth semester. Considering the transfer agreements between Virginia community colleges and Uva, and my high gpa..I am not as worried about being able to transfer in than I am about picking the right major. I have always liked history. However, I wonder just how applicable to the real world it is around here in terms of jobs ? Since time goes on, I have been thinking more and more about just what to do. Stay with a history major..go with a double major (though I wouldn't know what)..go for the darden school of business and see If I enjoy it..is it even possible to go to darden and do a history degree at the same time ? How about economics and history ?..haha, too many choices. </p>
<p>Any history majors / graduates around here that can inform me how much they enjoyed it, and how much a history degree from Uva is valued ? (though I have heard great things about Uva in general, so I am sure that is not a problem). I suppose I am just looking for some all around information and reassurance, since I am still not entirely used to the way universities work around here.</p>
<p>UVA’s history department is very strong, with a great teaching faculty. And history is a great major if you plan to go on to grad, business, or law school, since you do a lot of reading and writing. By itself, however, it (or any humanities/social science major) is not a great job qualification. Traditionally businesses were willing to hire such majors and train them, though the recession has made such positions harder to get. If you plan to end your education with a BA, I think you would do well to take some business-oriented courses along with your history major–econ, accounting, etc. But you might want to go over and talk to Career Services in your first semester here and see what they say–the counselors there are a lot more knowledgeable than I am.</p>
<p>The Darden school is UVA’s grad-level school. The undergraduate version is the McIntire School of Commerce. Not sure whether it’s open to cc transfers; entrance is very competitive and there are a lot of prerequisite courses you need to have taken during your first two years.</p>
<p>I had a friend double major in history and government, she is now doing a masters in library science/information science at the best school in the country for that (UNC-CH). I think it depends on what you want to do. She knew history would help her get into this program for obvious reasons…</p>
<p>Another option to consider is the one year masters program through the Comm school. It’s for liberal arts majors so you would get your history degree first. You need to take a few prerequisites to apply in your 4th year. I really think it is a great option for liberal arts majors to consider. </p>
<p>First off, Thank you very much for the advice so far, it’s much appreciated.</p>
<p>Jingle - It is certainly good to hear that the history department of Uva is strong. It is what I expected, really…considering the quality of the school. I am still very undecided on what I wish to do with the degree. I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to doing more than just a bachelor, but then the question would be…what good does a masters of phd do in history, aside from teaching ?..The bachelor degree in itself not being a great qualification does cross my mind, and that is exactly why I am thinking of a possible double major in history and economics…to broaden my horizon. </p>
<p>Hazel - Sounds good to me, glad she managed to go for her dream job. If you know what you want, it is definitely nice to be able to persue that. Only problem for me is…I love history, just am not sure on what I wish to do with that.</p>
<p>Erwinrd - Thank you. The one year masters program looks interesting, and definitely seems like something to think off…to get an extra edge.</p>
<p>katet, My daughter found this site (she is also very interested in pursuing a degree in history, but like you isn’t sure of her path) that has some good information. You may have already seen it, but I am sending a link in case you haven’t and are interested… Good luck to you! UVA would be a great choice for this area of study.</p>
<p>Thanks very much KandKsmom. I have actually never heard of that site up until now, and can already see it will prove to be very useful. Thanks again,and hope your daughter finds her dream career in history as well.</p>