LEARN ABOUT THE PAST AS A HISTORY MAJOR
History students study how humans have understood their world—politically, economically, culturally, and in other ways. In Lewis University’s bachelor’s degree program in History, you will develop strong skills in communications, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These are skills that employers are looking for. The History Department offers hands-on opportunities to explore education, public history, and other professional careers.
Why Major in History?
Here are a few reasons Lewis History majors offered as to why they chose to study History:
- “It is interesting to connect the past to the present.”
- “I always enjoyed museums! And I’d like to work in one!”
- “I like reading history and watching documentaries.”
- “I’ve always enjoyed history, and now I am learning to do deeper analysis.”
- “History is interdisciplinary: I like how it combines politics, culture, religion, and economics.”
SECONDARY OR MIDDLE LEVEL EDUCATION TEACHING LICENSURE OPTION
Share your knowledge of and passion for history with others by studying to become a teacher! In this program of distinction, you will learn from experienced teachers and teacher educators. You will focus on the content you love while engaging in the thinking that experts in history do. You’ll also learn specific methods teachers use to teach their students how to think historically. When you finish the program, you will have studied history deeply and worked with students in a variety of field experiences and clinical settings. You’ll be prepared to teach history and will have also learned about teaching a variety of other social science disciplines.
At Lewis University, students interested in teaching history at the high school level will double major in History and Secondary Education. Students interested in teaching social studies at the middle school level will major in Middle Level Education and take 24 hours in history and other social science courses. Both options prepare students for a Professional Educator License at the appropriate level, and both programs are approved fully by the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board and the Illinois State Board of Education.
Concentration in Public History Available
Public historians provide a great service to society through the study and preservation of heritage. History majors who plan to enroll in a graduate program in Public History or wish to pursue a career in local history museums and government archives are strongly encouraged to declare a concentration in Public History.
You will gain exposure to archives, historic preservation, museum studies, and oral history. In this competitive field, students who enroll for an internship course are placed at nearby historical sites or on campus in the Adelmann Regional History Collection. Consider a minor in business, communications, or graphic design, as this is a pre-professional program for graduate study in fields that include Library and Information Science, Museum Studies, and Public History.
Excellent Complement for Various Career Paths and Graduate Programs
A major in History is often a requirement or strongly recommended course of study for other majors whose career goals include graduate school or the business field.
- Pre-Law – The American Bar Association recommends a study of history as an excellent preparation for graduate study in law, and many Lewis students have gone on the successful careers in the field.
- Journalism – Many top schools of journalism require students to double major in subjects such as history, political science, sociology or psychology.
- Business – History is an especially appropriate pairing with degrees in international business, marketing and management. The ongoing shifts in the global economy and job market require broad knowledge and ability to think critically – both obtained with a degree in History. See also History minor for College of Business majors.
- Graduate School - You will develop higher level analytical skills through individual mentorship, supplementary reading, and critical analysis. As an undergraduate student, you’ll have the opportunity to present at the Celebration of Scholarship on campus, or at the Phi Alpha Theta (History Honor Society) Regional Conferences, or the Midwest World History Association Conference. Recent graduates have been accepted to Loyola University Chicago; Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada; and the University of Chicago.
- Language Studies - Study languages that the United States Department of Defense (DoD) have deemed as critical: Arabic; Chinese; and Russian. You can also study Korean, Polish, and Spanish. In a global economy, language skills can lead to professional opportunities in the public and private sectors. Students also study abroad and enroll in summer language camps.
Sample Courses
- United States Colonial and National History
- A History of the U.S. Military
- The American Presidency
- Native American History
- History of the British Empire
- History of Ireland
- Germany: From Bismarck to Hitler
- Russia: Ancient Times to the Present
- Public History
- The Vietnam War
Lewis also offers a History minor for students of any academic background to add to their degree. Many of your general education courses such as Globalization, Civic Engagement, and Interdisciplinary Seminars can contribute to your minor. Whether you enjoy reading, playing computer games, or travelling; this minor is for you!
Career Options
- Lawyer
- Journalist
- Librarian
- Teacher
- Economist
- Museum Curator
- Researcher
- Public Policy and Politics
- CIA/State Department Services
Admission Requirements
Please refer to the Office of Admission for application requirements and specific next steps.
Related Programs
For more information contact the Office of Admission at admission@lewisu.edu or call (815)836-5250.
Share ➤