History

Do you find the nature and development of human institutions and behavior fascinating? Are you interested in pursuing a comprehensive and affordable history program in Pennsylvania? Wilson College can help you get your degree. 

Our history and political science degree will prepare you with the skills you need for various occupations or graduate school. You'll:

• Develop your verbal and written communication skills and analytical thinking.
• Gain a historical perspective to better understand contemporary social and political issues. 

Majoring in history will prepare you to make an impact in your community.

History is:

Inquiry into Human Experience History majors will consider the diversity of human experience across time and place. The study of history at Wilson College is situated in a global context, with classes that provide the opportunity to understand the way that the world has been interconnected in the past and is now in the present.

A Public Pursuit History majors will develop the effective communication skills necessary to make the past accessible, inform and preserve collective memory, and be active citizens.

A Discipline The study of history is a particular way of approaching the world. History majors will gain a historical perspective that is vital to a comprehensive understanding of contemporary social and political issues. History majors will also acquire a deliberative stance towards the past; they will develop the skills to evaluate and use information, evidence, and argumentation, as well as the ability to identify and explain continuity and change over time.  

For the history major, the world – past, present, and future – is their playground. History provides the opportunity to understand and analyze virtually any element of human existence while framing it in the skills of historical thinking.  

History majors will build valuable skills that are transferable to many careers as well as graduate study. Through the construction and interpretation of history using human artifacts, written evidence, and oral traditions, students will develop empathy, respect for interpretive debate and differing opinions, effective communication skills, and the skillful use of an evolving set of practices and tool.  

The history major at Wilson College is an interdisciplinary liberal arts major:

• Through the classes in the history core, students will develop a breadth of knowledge of the past as well as the skills used by the historian to understand the past.  
• In upper-level history courses, students will study particular historical periods and events in depth, applying the skills learned in the history core. These classes include the opportunity to engage in the study of women and minorities, as well as to situate the history of the United States and Western Europe in a global context.
• Historical thinking does not happen only in the history classroom; students will also be required to take courses that engage in historical thinking from outside the history program. This interdisciplinary approach will aid students in understanding the interconnectedness of the past, allowing them to deepen their engagement with big questions.  

Highlights 

Our history program takes an in-depth look at this liberal arts major:

• Interdisciplinary: Learn strategies for dealing with political issues with courses ranging from Modern European History to Introduction to Sociology.
• Collaborative: Enhance your learning experience by working with and gaining new perspectives in collaborative classrooms.
• Supportive: Get the answers and support you need with access to professors through group, and one-on-one Canvas discussions, Panopto recordings, office hours, and email.
• Focused: Experience innovative teaching methods like simulations in focused courses where you receive individual attention. 
• Practical: Gain practical experience from coursework and studied subjects that you can apply to situations outside the classroom.
• Customizable: Choose your courses and concentration to create a customized program that helps you reach your educational and career goals. 

Why Study History?

A history and political science degree will help you take the first step towards a fulfilling future. With this program, you'll:

• Acquire a comprehensive understanding of historical developments, political institutions, processes, and theories.
• Use technological innovation and various sources to research and defend a thesis. 
• Become aware of and appreciate diversity.

Required courses: 

• Intro to Macroeconomics or Intro to Microeconomics
• Ancient & Mediterranean World or Medieval/Early Modern Europe or Modern European History
• American History to 1865 or American History - 1865 to 1945 or American History Since 1945
• Senior Thesis
• Introduction to Political Science
• American Government
• Introduction to Sociology
• Internship
• Qualitative Methods and Social Research

Career Paths 

Our history and political science program prepares students to enter the workforce or pursue a graduate program. Our faculty will be with you every step of the way, helping you earn your degree and achieve your educational and professional goals. 

Regardless of your career path, you can trust that we'll equip you to succeed in roles like:

• Politics or government service 
• Social service 
• Publishing 
• Librarianship/library science
• Teaching 
• Museum and archival work
• Journalism 
• Business 
• Criminal justice 

The study of history is also excellent preparation for law school or other graduate studies.  

Prepare for Your Future Today

At Wilson College, we've made it easier than ever for students to take the next step. Prospective students can apply to our history program at any time. We also offer financial aid and scholarships to 98% of our students, making pursuing your passions more affordable than ever. 

Plan a trip to see our campus and learn more, or apply to the program today!