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History

Bachelor of Arts
  • 120 Credits
  • School of Liberal Arts
  • Westchester
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History Overview

Learn how societies and cultures of the past help us understand present day events

We are all historians. From remembering your name to where you parked your car, your sense of what has occurred in the past makes it possible for you to find the right words and make well informed personal and work decisions. 

The value of history cannot be overstated. Without it you cannot understand a culture, a country or the world. Not to mention yourself.

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Career Opportunities

In addition to the content of history, students are taught to read, write, speak, and think with increased imagination, sophistication, and precision. The History major also provides special training in research and analysis, opening up opportunities in business, law, paralegal work, educational administration, and teaching at the primary, secondary, or college levels.

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What You'll Get

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Critical and analytic skills to evaluate primary and secondary sources

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Skills to produce clear and effective communication

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Improved writing, grammar, syntax and citation skills.

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Mastery of historic methods

Want More Info?

We'd like to hear from you! Get more information.

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Five year B.S./M.S. Teacher Education Program

Interested in becoming a teacher? Take a look at our B.S./M.S. Dual Degree Program which allows students interested in the teaching profession to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree at an accelerated pace.

If you are interested in becoming an English teacher, you are already part way there, students who major as undergraduates in English may receive certification in Secondary Education, Childhood Education or Early Childhood Education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Full-time students can complete the 120-credit degree program in four years.

Yes, faculty are always ready to help students with questions about what courses to take, the sequencing of courses, and career opportunities, including internships and cooperative education.

Yes. Many of our major courses are taught online on a rotating basis.

Program Details & Curriculum

General Liberal Arts and Sciences

General Education Requirements: 60 Credits

Major Concentration
History: 39 Credits
Open Electives: 21 Credits

Total: 120 Credits

For a full curriculum listing visit our catalog.

Students who choose to minor in the history concentration must complete:

Students must take 4 courses at the 200 level and above slotted under the five fields of study: United States, Europe, Asia, Atlantic World and Ideas, Theories and Practices. 

In addition, History Minors are required to take HIST 220: "Method in the Madness" : An Introduction to Historical Research, a course focused upon historical methodology. This requires successful completion of ENGL 111. History minors are not required to take HIST 320 or HIST 495.

History majors planning on pursuing a career in teaching Social Studies at the Middle Childhood and/or Adolescence Education level may apply to the Four-Plus-One Program, offered jointly by the School of Education and the School of Liberal Arts. The program is designed to allow majors to begin their Graduate Education coursework during their upper junior year. These courses will be counted jointly toward their undergraduate and graduate degrees. For specific program eligibility and requirements, please refer to the School of Education of this catalog.

By the end of this program, students should be able to: 

  1. Critically analyze primary and secondary sources
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of geography by identifying counties, capitals, and bodies of water of major geographic regions
  3. Demonstrate proficiency in critical reading and thinking by providing written evaluations of texts
  4. Demonstrate historical knowledge of various and specific time periods and geographic regions through quizzes, exams, oral, and written assignments
  5. Cite and document sources properly
  6. Demonstrate mastery of historical methods, analytical skills, and critical writing by producing an original research project that is well argued, makes use of adequate sources, and uses appropriate citation format (Chicago style)
  7. Demonstrate improved writing skills (proficiency in appropriate grammar and syntax)
  8. Evaluate primary and secondary sources through an array of writing and oral assignments (reading responses, critical book reviews, class participation, online discussion boards, and research)

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