History

History Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree On-campus

About History

Explore the lessons of history to excel in many fields.

In today's world, knowledge of history and its lessons can have an impact on all areas of life - business, law, education and much more. At PennWest California, choosing the B.A. in History program will help you develop deep historical knowledge as well as strong critical thinking skills to prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities.

Studying history will develop your abilities to read critically, think analytically, communicate ideas effectively and examine human problems in light of ethical values. You will work closely with your history professors to learn about traditional and contemporary theories, philosophies and ideologies.  You'll explore the functions and roles of major governmental, quasi-governmental and non-governmental institutions in different political systems, cultures  and societies throughout the ages.

Gain a career advantage with PennWest California's top undergraduate program in history.

A history degree prepares you for broad-based employment opportunities, including jobs in government, higher education, insurance, law,research, media and communications. Seven U.S. presidents have held history degrees. Other positions for history majors: corporate CEO, senator, member of Congress, archives and museum worker, foreign intelligence analyst, foreign trade specialist, federal or state agency historian, journalist, law enforcement officer, communications specialist, public relations director and radio/television/film researcher.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: HISTORY

Specialized study:  At PennWest California, history majors study with faculty who represent a wide range of expertise in the field. History faculty specialize in areas such as: American history, European history, public history, Native American history, environmental history, African American history,  ancient and medieval history, modern European history, French history, race and ethnicity in America, religious persecution, contemporary American history, Constitutional history and the history of sport. The history degree program also offers courses in the history of law and Latin American and world history. 

New perspectives: Students not only study history itself, but also learn how to study history. The Craft of History course teaches basic historiography and historical methodology. Students receive a hands-on introduction to historical research and writing, and learn about various schools of history to prepare for upper-level history courses. Other courses offer unique ways to study history. For instance, The History of Scientific Thought and Technological Innovations course focuses on how science and technology have impacted societal change over time, including military innovations, political and economic revolutions, religious and philosophical thought, and labor relations.   

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19:1 
Student-to-faculty ratio at PennWest California.
120 
Credit hours for the bachelor's degree in history, which can be completed in eight semesters or four years.
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Degree Benefits

In addition to a strong foundation in historical knowledge, students can choose topical courses for study, including History of Sport; History through Wargaming; History of Women, Gender and Sexuality in the Modern World; Native American History; and History of Law.  All of our professors actively engage in research and in publishing and communicating their findings. History faculty members are widely recognized on campus for exceptional educational programming, from hosting monthly Civil War Roundtable events to teach-ins and an annual Hip-Hop Conference. PennWest California history professors also serve as historical consultants and on-air experts for television and radio programming.

 

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Graduate Outcomes

Teacher, archivist and museum curator are just a few of the professions directly related to the history major. Students also find that undergraduate study in history is an excellent foundation for careers in law, religion, the Foreign Service and diplomacy, and government. In addition, history majors are employed in marketing and communications fields, the business sector, and the insurance industry. Our students have gone on to complete graduate programs in history at Carnegie Mellon University, West Virginia University, Duquesne University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Kentucky, University of Norwich and many more.

 

History (B.A.)
A PennWest California professor teaches a history class.

Award-Winning Faculty

History faculty members have been nominated for or have won Presidential Distinguished Merit Awards, the highest honor a faculty member can receive at PennWest California. Our history professors have been recognized for outstanding teaching, research and service. Our professors are published authors as well as active researchers and dedicated teachers.

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Campus Connections

The history department sponsors Phi Alpha Theta, the international history honor society and one of the highest rated national honor societies. Membership is a recognized mark of excellence. Students also can participate in the Fencing Club and the Silvi Vulcani Club (dedicated to pre-1601 studies).

History students work at a local history center.

Unique Opportunities

History majors participate in internships in settings such as parks, museums, government offices and more. Students also have opportunities to do hands-on community history work in area schools in local history and public history classes. PennWest California history majors work in the campus archives and at local historical societies. PennWest California history students have completed internships at Fredericksburg National Military Park, Harpers Ferry National Park, Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Heinz History Center, Coal and Coke Heritage Center, and the Andy Warhol Museum.

B.A., History Courses

Curriculum

Course Credits
General Education Courses 40 or 41
Building a Sense of Community
UNI 100  First-Year Seminar
1
Composition
  • ENG 101  English Composition I
  • ENG 102  Composition II  OR  HON 250
6
Public Speaking
Any Public Speaking Course
3
Mathematics and Quantitative Literacy
Any Mathematics and Quantitative Literacy Course
3
Health and Wellness
Any Health and Wellness Course
3
Technological Literacy
Any Technological Literacy Course
3
Humanities
Any Humanities Course
3
Fine Arts
Any Fine Arts Course
3
Natural Sciences
Any Natural Sciences Course
3
Social Sciences
Any Social Sciences Course
3
General Education Options
  • Any Ethics and Multicultural Awareness Emphasis Course
  • Additional General Education Courses (two courses)
9
   
Required Major Courses 42
HIS 295  Craft of History 3
HIS 491  Readings in History 3
HIS 495  Seminar in History 3
Select two: HIS 101, 104, 111 6
Select two: HIS 102, 106, 112 6
Select two: HIS 309, 310, 317, 323, 324, 345, 352, 353, 366, 367, 370, 410, 425, 430; POS 322, 325, 326 6
Select five HIS electives (at least three at the 300 or 400 level) 15
   
Free Electives 37 to 38
Select at least 20 credits at the 300 or 400 level 37 to 38
   
Total 120

Additional requirements, not counted toward the General Education requirements, include:

  • Special Experience Course (1 course required): HIS 491 Reading in History
  • Writing-Intensive Component Courses (2 courses required): HIS 491 Readings in History AND HIS 495 Seminar in History
  • Laboratory Course (1 course required): Any Laboratory Course

Program Notes: Minimum GPA - 2.0; Minimum Credits - 120. Developmental courses do not count toward the 120 credits necessary for graduation but are calculated in your overall GPA.

B.A., History -Minor

Minor

History (Minor)