UCO Department of History and Geography

Undergraduate Programs

About Us | Undergraduate Degrees | Minors | Advising | Declare a Major | Transfer Students | FAQ | Contact | Department Home

About Us

History and Geography are a vital part of a liberal arts education. The study of these disciplines leads to a better understanding of people and cultures, as well as origins of our own society. It also prepares students for many different careers including:

  ▪ Teaching/Education ▪ Government agencies (EPA, CIA, Dept. of State, etc.)  
  ▪ Museum/archival work ▪ Legislative Aide  
  ▪ Journalist/Editor ▪ Urban planning  
  ▪ Corporate Historian ▪ Private Research  

Check out the web sites for the American Historical Association or the Association of American Geographers for more information about careers in History and Geography.

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Undergraduate Degrees

The Department of History and Geography offers three Bachelor of Arts degrees (BA) and one Bachelor of Arts in Education degree (BA Ed) in the following areas:

  Geography (BA)  
  History - General (BA)  
  History - Museum Studies (BA)  
  History - Education (BA Ed)  

Click on the links above or scroll down below to see a description of each program.

 

Geography (BA)

 

Geography offers much to a broad liberal arts curriculum.  As our world changes daily, geography enables us to understand the role of people on the settlement of the earth.  Geographic literacy takes different forms, ranging from knowing the location of countries on a map to understanding why the Middle Eastern countries continue to quarrel over Israel's existence and other political conflicts of the like.

 

Our program focuses on combating geographic illiteracy.  We offer our introductory courses throughout the year plus upper division courses based on student demand.  The track for a geography major focuses on a traditional major that emphasizes the breadth of the field (physical and human geography).

 

While our program is small, we consider this to be an opportunity to work with students individually.  We welcome students to come by our office to discuss major and minor options or to find out how geography can enhance their degree program.  Feel free to check out our faculty profiles and our links.

 

Degree requirements are found in the UCO Undergraduate Catalog.    

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History - General (BA)

History is a key component of a liberal arts education. The History - General program provides students the opportunity to study a broad range of themes and geographical areas. Students are encouraged to develop a broad knowledge of the human past as well as an in-depth knowledge of areas and topics of special interest to them. In addition to survey courses on Western Civilization and U.S. History, students take advanced-level courses in three areas: American History, European History, and Non-U.S./European History, which includes Asia and Latin America). 

If you have questions regarding this major, contact Dr. Michael Springer

Degree requirements are found in the UCO Undergraduate Catalog.

 

History - Museum Studies (BA)

The Museum Studies Program provides training to students interested in pursuing careers in museums, historical agencies, archives, national parks, and related institutions.  The core curriculum consists of twelve credit hours, which includes course work and six hours of internship.

Students interested in the program should contact the Director of Museum Studies, Department of History and Geography, to discuss the course of study and career opportunities.  The Director works closely with students to address their educational and professional goals.

Program Director:   Dr. Carolyn Pool

Degree requirements are found in the UCO Undergraduate Catalog.

 

History - Education (BA Ed)

The Department of History and Geography offers  Bachelors degrees in History Education and Social Studies Education.  Our program is accredited by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCATE) and the National Council of Social Studies (NCSS). We work closely with the College of Education and support their mission "to provide excellent programs which dynamically meet the needs of a changing society and prepare individuals to be outstanding professionals in the various teaching and non-teaching disciplines represented in the College."

The department offers a wide selection of courses in American, European, and Asian history and we welcome students to come by our office to discuss a major in education.

Program Coordinator: Dr. Jessica Sheetz-Nguyen

Degree requirements are found in the UCO Undergraduate College.

Additional useful links:

Graduation Requirement Checklist (pdf)

Teacher Education Portfolios (pdf)

Portfolio Checkpoints (pdf)

UCO College of Education

Oklahoma Education Association

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Minors

The Department of History and Geography offers minors in both subject areas. In addition, the University of Central Oklahoma offers minor degrees in many various related disciplines including Art History, Economics, Humanities, Modern Languages, Philosophy and Sociology. A complete list of the minors offered, and their requirements, can be found in the UCO Course Catalog. Find the form to declare a minor here.

If you are interested in the following minors, or would like more information on these programs, please contact the person indicated below:

History - Department Secretary

Geography - Department Secretary

Ethnic Studies - Dr. Jere Roberson

Russian Studies - Dr. Jeff Plaks

 

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Undergraduate Advising

UCO's Center for Undergraduate Academic Advising is located in Room 121 of the Nigh University Center. They offer a broad range of services to first-time Freshmen, current undergraduates, and transfer students.

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Declare a Major/Minor

On the Application for Admission, students indicate their educational intentions while attending the University of Central Oklahoma. This educational intent or goal is discussed with the academic advisor who assists the student in selecting a program or identifying related courses. An appropriate major code is then entered to reflect the student's choice of program, whether it be a a specific degree program or undecided area. Students wishing to change their major/degree programs or educational intentions must complete a "Declaration of Major" form available in the Center for Undergraduate Academic Advising, Room 121 of the Nigh University Center, or by using the link below. For more information on declaring a major, see the course catalog.

Click here for a Declaration of Major/Minor form. 

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Transfer Students

For admission requirements and information for transfer students, please see the UCO Undergraduate Catalog.

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FAQ

1. How do I declare a major or minor?

If you wish to change your major or minor, you need to fill out a "Declaration of Major" form. This can be found online using the link above, or can be picked up in person at the Center for Undergraduate Academic Advising, room 121 in the Nigh University Center.

2. How do I contact my professor?

Office hours are posted on your professor's door. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses can be found on the faculty page of this website.

3. The class I want to take is full. Can I get in?

If classes have not started yet, keep checking online to see if someone has dropped the course to make a space available. During the first week of classes, the instructor can add additional students if space allows. This approval is at the instructor's discretion. If you wish to add a class during the first week of the semester, you need to complete a permission to enroll form (available from the department administrative assistant).

4. I have a disability and need extra assistance in the class. What do I do?

Contact Disability Support Services. They are located in room 309 of the Nigh University Center. They can be contacted by phone at 974-2516.

5. My class has been cancelled due to low enrollment. What do I do?

Unfortunately this happens from time to time. You will need to find a new course You will need to drop the class in order to avoid being charged course fees and tuition.

6. Where is the computer lab?

The LAR computer lab is located in room 125 of the Liberal Arts Building.

7. Where is a photocopy machine that I can use?

There is a photo copy machine for students located on the ground floor of the Liberal Arts Building, just outside of room 117.

8. Who do I talk to about the history or geography programs?

For more information on the study programs within the Department of History and Geography, you can contact the university's Advisement Office or the individuals listed below.

 

Geography Dr. Hurt
History - Education Dr. Sheetz-Nguyen
History - General Dr. Springer
History - Museum Studies Dr. Pool
Graduate Studies Dr. Kenny Brown

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Contact

For more information about the department or the degrees offered, stop by the Department of History and Geography or contact the department secretary at ccarollo@uco.edu.

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