About the History Major

If I major in History, what can I do after Houghton?

Plenty! Alumni who majored in history pursue a wide variety of careers, because the skills developed in a history major are skills needed in many vocations. Some history majors teach at the elementary, secondary or college level. Some are lawyers; others work in business and industry. Some graduates are journalists, writers, ministers, or physicians. Others pursue careers in historical preservation, museum management or public history. One is even a Benedictine monk. The list is almost endless. In fact, if you major in history, the real question is, what do you want to do after Houghton?

What areas of History are offered at Houghton?

The first year begins with survey courses in Western or World Civilization. From there the curriculum concentrates on period courses (e.g., American National Period, 19th Century Europe, Medieval Europe), area studies (e.g., Latin America, Africa), and topical offerings (e.g., Church History, Intellectual History, Economic History). Internships and applied work in government agencies and even our own college archives are also options for some upperclass students. In addition, qualified juniors may apply to do honors work in history, an experience that focuses on independent research and writing skills. Finally, members of the faculty frequently help devise independent studies for students who have special interests in areas not covered by regular courses. This kind of flexibility, combined with Houghton's fine library and interlibrary resources, means that you will be able to do serious work in virtually any area of history that interests you.

Why Study History at Houghton?

The study of the past has been an important part of educational curriculums since the ancient Greeks, and still holds a central place in a liberal arts education. People are naturally curious about how things used to be and how events and people long since gone have influenced the present. If you are fascinated by the past, then a major in history is worth considering. Understanding the present by examining the past is not easy. In whatever sphere -- politics, religion, culture, economics, social relations -- the study of past human experience requires research, analysis, interpretation, organization, and communication. But in return you will gain a valuable perspective on our contemporary situation and develop disciplined habits of mind which are the mark of the liberally educated person and which will be of value in every area of your life.

Why should you come to Houghton to study history? First, our professors all hold Ph.D. degrees and are published research historians who have made a commitment to undergraduate teaching as well as to historical research. They know that your development as a thinking person takes their time and careful guidance; at Houghton the student comes first. Second, our professors in all fields take seriously the application of Christian faith to their academic disciplines. Our history faculty works hard at examining history from a Christian perspective.