History Major

Department of History

(440) 826-2076

OVERVIEW

History is a versatile major that is analytical and practical. Graduates of Baldwin Wallace University's history program attend prestigious graduate schools and find lucrative employment in exciting fields. A bachelor's degree in history offers outstanding preparation for graduate and professional school, government service, corporate and nonprofit professions, education and more.

History is a comprehensive, multi-faceted major. It teaches you to understand contemporary events in historical and global contexts and solve problems that require historical perspectives. You'll gain skills in conducting multi-dimensional research and hone proficiencies in written and oral communication.

Hands-on learning is a key. You'll work on real-world projects like historical cemetery documentation, explore local archives for unique independent research, and work alongside archivists and other professionals. BW's proximity to Cleveland puts you within easy access to museums, government agencies, corporations and nonprofit organizations for internships and more.

BW professors bring impressive academic and scholarly credentials to the classroom. Whether you are fascinated with U.S., East Asian, Russian, Middle Eastern history or the entire world, BW faculty can help you explore your interest.

Career Opportunities

Teacher
Museum curator/historian
Urban planner
Librarian or archivist
Intelligence analyst
Government official
Attorney
Lobbyist
Criminologist or law enforcement officer
Journalist/writer

Career Versatility

"You can be successful in many fields with a history degree. Being able to look at a problem, research and analyze information, and then effectively communicate a solution helps me every single day." - 'Lizabeth DiSiena '12, Associate, Pease Acquisition Advisors

Which BW History Major is Right for You?

The department of history offers three majors for different career tracks.

B.A. in History

If you want to prepare for law school, paralegal certification, grades 7-12 social studies teaching, government employment or public policy work, or if you love history but want to remain flexible in your career options, BW offers a B.A. in history. Students in this program can easily double major in another discipline such as science or English.

B.A. in Public History

If you aspire to a career in a museum, archive, library, the National Parks Service or other venue that teaches history to members of the public, the B.A. in public history is for you. BW offers the only undergraduate public history major in Ohio.

Interested in Becoming a Teacher?

If you would like to become a social studies teacher, BW has an outstanding teacher education program.

CURRICULUM

History is offered as a major and minor. The history major is also available online for A2BW students.

History can be studied as a single major or as a companion for a double major.

Through the study of history, you will gain an understanding of the past upon which the structure of modern society is built. You'll learn the historical background and present-day application of disciplines that include the arts, music, literature, religion, philosophy, the sciences, social sciences and business.

The history major prepares students to:

Demonstrate factual knowledge of historical events, people, and concepts, such as would be necessary to teach or as basis for career in history-related field
Demonstrate mastery of writing skills and documentation
Demonstrate mastery of historical reasoning and argumentation
Possess a plan for a career and/or further education

Course Descriptions

Course descriptions, requirements for the major and additional information can be found in the University Catalog.

STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Whether it's historic Berea, nearby Metroparks, downtown Cleveland or beyond, BW is within easy access of an array of museums, historical societies, community and professional organizations and more.

Experiential learning bridges classroom study with real-world opportunities. You can enhance your studies through internships, co-curricular activities and other learning opportunities.

The Adams Street Cemetery Project is a collaborative research-based community service project offering you integrative, real-world field experiences. You'll work with faculty, professional historians from the Berea Historical Society and City of Berea personnel to rediscover the lost histories of persons buried in the Adams Street Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Berea.