History & Philosophy Programs
Overview of History and Philosophy Degree Programs at the Bass School
At the Bass School, the study of history and philosophy are closely linked. History aims to understand the societies, institutions, and events of people in the past. Philosophy engages deep and persistent questions concerning why we believe and how we know the nature of self and our connection with the world.
The Bass School offers a BA in History, which incorporates philosophy requirements into the study of History; and a BA in Philosophy, which includes requirements in the history of philosophy.
The MA in History enhances a student’s knowledge and skills in history should they pursue a doctorate. The MA in Art History immerses students in a global history of art across geography, chronology, and medium and brings to life a range of methodological approaches.
The MA and PhD in History of Ideas focus on studying history and philosophy, especially the intersection of the two.
Career Paths with a Degree in History, Philosophy, or History of Ideas
Archivist, curator, data analyst, educator, financial services professional, health care professional, historian, human resources, journalist, lawyer, librarian, marketing professional, museum curator, paralegal, psychologist, policy analyst, professor, public history administrator, public policy administrator, researcher, teacher, writer
History and Philosophy Undergraduate Programs
Fact Sheets
History and Philosophy Graduate Programs
Classes
To obtain specific information about classes each semester at The University of Texas at Dallas, visit the UT Dallas Coursebook. For more general information, visit the UT Dallas Undergraduate Catalog or Graduate Catalog.
History and Philosophy Faculty
Research
The history and philosophy program at UT Dallas has an active, award-winning faculty whose research specializations include intellectual history, continental philosophy, United States and Latin American history, Middle East and North African history, the history and philosophy of science and technology, Chinese studies, Holocaust studies, legal history, and the history and philosophy of race and gender.
Six centers and institutes affiliated with the Bass School promote interdisciplinary research:
Student Organizations
Get real-world experience and leadership opportunities by joining our History Honor Society (Phi Alpha Theta).
Explore Arts, Humanities, and Technology Student Organizations →
History and Philosophy Program Details
While history provides us a framework for understanding today’s challenges and cautions us against mistakes of prior civilizations, philosophy engages the most profound, essential and persistent questions concerning the nature of the good life, why we believe and how we know, the nature of the self and its connection with the world and with society, and the foundations of justice.
At the undergraduate level, history majors at The University of Texas at Dallas will better understand past civilizations and hone critical skills to better reconstruct and interpret the past. Philosophy majors will engage in an interdisciplinary program, drawing on and contributing to the study of history, literature, and the arts, with a practical and theoretical emphasis on the philosophy of science, technology and medicine. The program strives to be pluralistic and intellectually diverse, with emphases in continental, analytic, feminist, American and non-Western philosophical traditions.
Students choosing to further their education beyond a bachelor’s degree may do so in one of our graduate programs.
Our Master of Arts in History program is designed both for individuals wishing to enhance their knowledge of and skills in the study of the past and for those intending to pursue a doctorate in a related field. Students have two paths: a “research” or “professional” option, and students with plans for doctoral study should choose the research option.
Our Master of Arts in History of Ideas degree program is constructed both for individuals wishing to enhance their knowledge of the history of thought and culture and the skills for studying it, and for those intending to pursue a doctorate in a related field. Students will concentrate on the study of philosophy and intellectual and cultural history, with a focus on modern Europe and America. Like our MA in History, those seeking the MA in History of Ideas will select either the “professional” option or the “research” option. The research option requires students to demonstrate proficiency in an approved foreign language and to complete a portfolio.
Our Doctor of Philosophy in History of Ideas focuses on studying history and philosophy, especially the intersection of the two. Though students will choose an emphasis in either history or philosophy, their studies will be made in the context of both. Besides coursework in history and philosophy, students may take seminars in literature, visual and performing arts and cognate disciplines.
Contact Information
Eric Schlereth
Associate Professor and Program Head
Phone: 972-883-2168
Email: exs082000@utdallas.edu
Office: JO 5.522
Bass School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology
The University of Texas at Dallas, JO31
800 W. Campbell Road
Richardson, TX 75080-3021
Phone: 972-883-2759 or 972-883-2980
Advising
Undergraduate Advising: ahtUGadvising@utdallas.edu
Graduate Advising: ahtGRadvising@utdallas.edu