History, B.A.

When students study what they love, they are more likely to develop liberal arts skills that employers cite as keys to success in any field, business, or organization. The recent Job Outlook’s list of key attributes identifies what employers are seeking and includes: written and verbal communication skills, problem-solving skills, and a strong work ethic.  A history degree is an excellent way for you to master these skills.

Additionally you will identify and analyze challenges and changes in how humans have organized and understood the world they inhabit —politically, economically, culturally, religiously, philosophically, scientifically, and socially. Lewis history graduates have the knowledge and tools of comparative analysis to understand, appreciate and navigate their way in a multicultural society that is so necessary in our globalized world.

As Fareed Zakaria, CNN and Washington Post journalist, commentator, and history major, has argued in his bestseller, In Defense of Liberal Education, technology and globalization are increasingly replacing rote skill sets in the U.S.  What remains in demand are skills that only a liberally educated person can perform — the ability to sift through information, think creatively, write, speak, collaborate, and continue to learn through life.   

The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 2015 Report on Economic Value of College Majors found that among the liberal arts and humanities, history is second only to English in attracting majors.  Georgetown also discovered that history majors earn the highest annual wage among graduates in these fields.

Small Class Sizes. 1-on-1 Attention
Many of your history courses will have fewer than 15 students in them in order to encourage group discussion and debate. Our faculty are experts in their fields of study, and will not only share their passion with you, but help you develop your own, mentoring you throughout your entire experience at Lewis.

High School (6-12) Teaching Certificate
Many of our history major graduates go on to become successful high school history teachers - helping students form logical opinions based on a clear understanding of global events. This program is approved by the State Teacher Certification Board in conjunction with the Illinois State Board of Education and includes all the requirements for a major in History as well as general social studies core courses and Illinois history, preparing students to effectively teach in grades 6-12 in public and private schools in the State of Illinois. Virtually all of our history majors pass the state certification exam for history, placing us well above the state average.

Note: This teaching track option requires a major in Secondary Education.

Secondary Education
We encourage history majors in secondary education to minor in fields that will offer an interesting resume for high schools. Additionally, we have good relationships with area high schools, and have had a solid track record placing our students in high schools around Will County and Northern Illinois.  Students should contact the College of Education for specific education requirements.

Start customizing your History Teacher degree program curriculum today!

Non-Teaching Career Paths
Others use the study of history to develop their analytical, research, and writing skills in preparation for a career in law, business, journalism and more, including:

• Lawyer
• Journalist
• Librarian
• Economist
• Museum curator
• Researcher
• Law enforcement
• Public Policy and Politics
• CIA /State Department worker

Pre-Law
The American Bar Association recommends the study of history as an excellent preparation for graduate study in law, and many Lewis students have gone on to successful careers in this field.  History majors will find opportunities to develop analytical, research and writing skills.

Journalism
Many top schools of journalism require students to double major in subjects such as history, political science, sociology or psychology. The focus on communication, analysis and critical thinking for history majors will help you succeed as a journalist.

Dual Major/Minor in Business
History is an especially appropriate pairing with degrees in international business, marketing, and management.  The modern experience of work, particularly in business, is subject to ongoing shifts in the global economy.  This market now rewards flexibility that grows from broad knowledge and skill-sets and the ability to think critically. Businesses such as IBM list history as a preferred area as long as students also have the necessary preparation in allied business studies.

Start customizing your History, B.A. degree program curriculum today!