History & Philosophy

You’re reading this because you recognize that in order to understand the present – and prepare for the future – you must first comprehend the past. At Lander University, we’ll take you on a journey through history and philosophy, guiding you through a rich tapestry of cultures, civilizations, movements and ideas. We’ll also connect you with our local parks, museums and civic organizations so that you can, through internships or volunteer work, practice communicating important historical information to a number of different audiences.

With a variety of course offerings and knowledgeable, dedicated faculty to guide you along the way, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the historical events, cultures, religions and ideologies that have made the world what it is today. Having a degree or minor in history, philosophy or international studies will make you a well-rounded job candidate or set you up for success in graduate school. 

Ryan Floyd
Department Chair

864-388-8786  |  mrfloyd@lander.edu  |  Carnell Learning Center LC363

Workforce ready

History and philosophy can lead to many fulfilling and exciting careers. You could:

• Work as an archivist, preserving history for future generations
• Serve as an interpretive ranger at a state or national park
• Share your knowledge with the public as a museum manager
• Write policy, drawing on historical events and issues to make new decisions
• Journey to law school, and make compelling legal arguments based on evidence
• Have a career in education as a teacher, sharing the past with a new generation, or as an administrator, helping to shape school policy

Lander also has a slate of graduate degrees that will unlock even more career potential.

The Career Promise

At Lander University, we promise that you will find a job within the first 60 days of graduation. If you don’t, we want you to work for us. We believe in what we teach, and we know our students are set up for success. That’s our Career Promise to Lander graduates: if you aren’t able to find a job within 60 days of graduating, Lander will hire you as a graduate assistant and guarantee your admission into the Lander graduate program of your choice.*

*To qualify for this program, students must graduate from Lander within four years and earn a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. Additional admissions requirements may apply for specific graduate programs.

Outside the Classroom

At Lander University, learning isn’t limited to the traditional classroom space. Here are some ways our students take their learning to new levels:

• Internships: Gain real-world experience and make professional connections, all while earning credit towards your degree program. Our faculty have relationships, in Greenwood and beyond, that can help you find the right internship for you.
• Service Learning: Lander history majors regularly partner with the Greenwood Museum and the Benjamin E. Mays Historic Preservation Site to conduct tours, take part in re-enactments and assist in curating exhibits.
• Travel as Education: Experience another culture for yourself by living and studying abroad. Or join your classmates and professors on a short-term study tour.
• Research: Lander regularly sends our students to regional and national conferences to showcase their research projects. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the annual Academic Symposium, held on campus each spring.

Experiencing History Lab (EHL)

The Experiencing History Lab (EHL) is a collaborative effort between faculty and students to help people learn history through experience. Students invited to joint the EHL will help develop materials that teach history through doing.

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