The MJC History program offers a long tradition of excellence, with a faculty who have broad, overlapping interests and approaches, including social, cultural, intellectual, political and economic history. We teach with heart and dedication and with a commitment to helping all our students succeed.
Students who complete and earn a degree in history will:
In essence, while students develop a more nuanced understanding of societies and cultures, they also gain skills required for an empowered and informed citizenry. As peoples of different ethnicities interact with each other more frequently in the 21st century, understanding each other's past paves the way for harmonious and beneficial cross-cultural relations.
The study of history prepares one for life in a global economy. Historical thinking skills are widely marketable.
Students of history learn to
The practice of empathy—working to understand the needs, beliefs, and emotions of people on their own terms—is an essential skill in a host of fields, from medicine to marketing.
Students of history learn to tell stories. They take data and make meaning of it. They can turn a spreadsheet into a compelling narrative to help sell a product or to inform people about issues relevant to their lives. They read critically and excel at research, whether in the newsroom, stock market, or the law office.
Students with a history degree are gainfully employed at a higher rate than the average of college graduates. History students learn skills that help them adapt to an ever-changing work environment which can lead to a more meaningful career experience.
The Associate in Arts in History for Transfer (A.A.-T in History) Degree includes lower division coursework that is required for transfer and will provide students with the opportunity to learn a valuable skill in critical thinking and writing as they explore a variety of historical topics in world and western civilizations and American history. The A.A.-T in History includes courses that explore world and U.S. history, political institutions, and social and cultural influences. The Associate in Art in History for Transfer (A.A.-T in History) Degree is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in history at a California State University campus. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU System, but not to a particular campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that does accept this degree will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.
This program is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of cultures in our world society, which seeks to build a community of learning. Students will analyze a number of domestic and international issues to enhance their knowledge of other cultures, improve communication skills, enhance their ability to critically think, and evaluate what it means to live in a society that may display biases towards other.
