Discover the Power of the Past — and Shape Your Future
At Vol State, studying history is more than just learning dates and facts — it’s about understanding the world we live in by exploring the events, people, and cultures that shaped it. Our University Parallel Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees in History offer a strong foundation in both American and world history, preparing you for further study at a four-year university and opening doors to a wide range of careers.
Through engaging courses and supportive faculty, you’ll gain critical thinking skills, effective communication skills, and a deeper understanding of how the past connects to and informs today’s most important issues. Whether you're passionate about social justice, politics, education, or simply curious about how the world works, a history degree from Vol State is a smart step toward your future.
Courses of Study
The Associate of Arts (A.A.) pathway requires a one-year sequence (6 credits) in a single foreign language. The Associate of Science (A.S.) pathway allows for more classes in the area of emphasis in place of foreign language credits.
Transfer Options
Tennessee Transfer Pathways (TTPs) are advising tools designed to help community college students plan for transferring to a Tennessee public university or select regionally accredited, non-profit Tennessee private colleges and universities to complete their baccalaureate degree. The TTPs also constitute an agreement between community colleges and four-year colleges/universities confirming that community college courses meet major preparation requirements. For transfer to four-year institutions, contact an advisor at the senior institution.
Note: Due to the transferability to a four-year institution, there are to be no course substitutions where a specific course is required in the TTP curriculum guide.
Future Opportunities
There are several reasons to consider a University Parallel Associate of Arts or Science degree in History! This course of study qualifies graduates for entry roles in museums, archives, and libraries, where knowledge of historical content and research techniques is essential. Understanding historical and societal trends also prepares you for careers in education, policy, and cultural institutions. For example, history majors have a broad understanding of government evolution and society that aids work in government agencies or community outreach. The study of history involves analyzing primary documents and writing reports, which develops strong research, writing, and critical-thinking skills. These transferable skills are useful in many fields.
Example entry-level job titles
- Museum or Historical Society Assistant/Technician
- Archives or Library Technician (public or academic)
- Historical Site Interpreter / Tour Guide
- Research Assistant (in education, government, or nonprofit)
- Museum Education / Program Assistant
