Education at the School of History and Sociology extends far beyond the classroom.
Located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta — one of the nation’s most vibrant cultural and economic hubs — our students have unparalleled access to research, global travel, and professional internships that bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world impact.
The Atlanta Advantage
Atlanta is a living laboratory for our majors. You are minutes away from the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Atlanta History Center, and the Carter Center. Students frequently use the Georgia Tech Archives and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for primary research, finding history and sociology in the very streets where they live and study.
Campus Connections
On campus, the HSOC Club and Phi Alpha Theta (the National History Honor Society) serve as the social and intellectual heart of the department. These student-led groups host everything from film screenings and guest speakers to an annual "History Con" costume party.
To join the honor society, fill out the Phi Alpha Theta application or contact Laura Bier with any questions.
Global Experiences
Nearly half of our HTS majors participate in international study or work — more than triple the national average. Whether you choose specialized programs in Metz, France, and Oxford, England, or join faculty-led delegations to Asia and Latin America, you will gain a global perspective on science and culture.
For those seeking deep immersion, the International Plan degree designator recognizes students who complete significant coursework abroad and demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language.
Professional Internships
Internships are a cornerstone of the HTS experience. You can earn academic credit (HTS 2695/4695) while applying analytical skills and helping to solve real-world problems for non-profits and government agencies alike. Our students intern in organizations such as the Mayor’s Office, the Fernbank Natural History Museum, and U.S. Congressional offices.
The HSOC Internship Database can serve as a starting point for your internship search.
Research Excellence
As a student at a top-tier R1 research university, you will move from consuming knowledge to creating it. Many HTS students secure funding through the President’s Undergraduate Research Award (PURA) to conduct independent projects and present findings at national conferences.
Students looking to establish themselves as experts can pursue the Research Option, which culminates in an undergraduate thesis. You might work alongside faculty to investigate the history of medical exploitation, the sociology of mental health, or the social impact of technological change.
Planning Your Path
Our advising team is here to help you navigate internship credits, research funding applications, and the requirements for special degree designators. Current HTS majors, minors, and certificate earners can meet with Sonya Boadu by scheduling an appointment via Navigate360.