History Degree at Westminster College

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Why study History at Westminster College?

By pursuing a history degree at Westminster College, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and intellectual curiosity necessary to comprehend and thrive amidst the complexity, diversity, and unpredictability of today’s world. We do not just talk about the past: we help you make sense of the present and equip you for the future. Our dynamic courses are taught by professors who are dedicated fully to students’ intellectual and professional development. We provide high-impact learning experiences by encouraging students to present and publish their work, by leading travel-study courses, and by engaging in community-based projects. We also offer the kind of career advice and practical training needed to turn your passion for the past into a rewarding future!

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Explore Minors

You can choose minors to supplement the History major in a variety of fields such as American Studies, European Studies, US History and European History.

Beyond the Classroom

Gain greater cultural awareness, heightened critical thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively, to research effectively, and to communicate clearly both orally and in writing. Perfect your research and writing skills, while crafting signature historical work, through our vigorous and transformative thesis program. Gain valuable experience of presenting your work at professional conferences.

“The history major offers diverse and interesting classes as well as excellent professors who are always willing to assist and advise students.”

Rowan Steineker

In the Classroom

Take classes that will change the way you see the world, such as:

  • Scandalous Women in American History
  • American Slavery and The Civil War
  • Nazi Germany and World War II
  • A History of the CIA and U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East

Craft Your Own Learning

Professional Advice and Direction

American Studies Minor

The American Studies minor allows you to integrate your coursework in several departments. The minor is highly interdisciplinary.

Other Experiences: This minor offers you the flexibility to tailor coursework to your professional goals.

Career Opportunities: Students who have completed this minor have found employment in education, business, and law. The minor is also seen as a stepping-stone for graduate education in these fields.

view american studies program plan

U.S. History Minor

view United States History minor

European Studies Minor

The European Studies minor focuses on contemporary European issues and culture. Interdisciplinary in nature, the minor will prepare you for working in a transnational and global environment. This minor is a good supplement to some of our business related majors. European Studies provides you with training in cultural diversity and global competency - something many employers value highly.

The minor strongly encourages students to study abroad.

Career Opportunities: European Studies can help you get into graduate school in a number of related areas. It is also useful for work in international settings whether you are in business or government.

view european studies program plan

European History Minor
The European History minor focuses on understanding Europe as a region. This minor will prepare you for working in a transnational and global environment. It is a good supplement to some of our business related majors. The European History minor provides you with training in cultural diversity and global competency - something many employers value highly.

Career Opportunities: European Studies can help you get into graduate school in a number of related areas. It is also useful for work in international settings whether you are in business or government. Students intending to make their career in Education will also find this minor helpful.

view european history minor program plan

 

Stay Connected

Check out what Westminster history students and alums are doing and get department updates.

History News

We provide one of the more unique environments to study History in the Midwest, if not the nation. Since Winston Churchill gave his speech on our campus heralding the start of the Cold War, our students have listened to and met leaders from all over the globe, from presidents, to royalty, to rock stars. We have used these visits to inspire our students to help change the world. We do not just study History at Westminster, we make it.

We pride ourselves on offering courses that allow you to gain the knowledge, skills, and intellectual curiosity necessary to thrive amidst the complexity, diversity, and unpredictability of today’s world. We do not just talk about the past: we help you make sense of the present and we equip you for the future. Our dynamic courses are taught by professors who are dedicated fully to your intellectual and professional development. Recent course offerings include: Scandalous Women in American History, Conspiracy Theories in American Life, Fascism, Civil Rights on Film, FDR and Reagan, U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East, A History of the CIA, and many more.

We provide high-impact learning experiences that develop the kinds of skills employers need, including critical thinking, analytical thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively.  We help you perfect your research and writing skills while crafting signature historical work through our vigorous thesis program. We will encourage and support you to gain valuable experience of presenting your work at numerous professional conferences in your Junior and Senior years. We also offer a dedicated class to help you find a job in a career you love. We will turn your passion for the past into a rewarding future.   

We make sure that our classes are small in size so that you can get the kind of personal attention needed to fully develop your intellect and ability. You are never just a number at Westminster, you are someone in whom we invest.

We have developed a terrific sense of community among our students through the many events and activities we put on. You will get to know your fellow students and gain leadership experience through our vibrant History Club or Phi Alpha Theta Honors Society, or through organizing movie nights and trivia bowls, taking trips to historical locations, listening to dynamic guest speakers, and getting involved in a host of other campus activities. We make lasting memories for you and you will make lifelong friends.

The department also helps you find internships at places such as our world-class National Churchill Museum. We offer travel-abroad courses to places like Berlin and Vietnam. History and Museum Studies students recently honored our servicemen and women by building our new Veterans Memorial and Museum. Students in our Civil War class helped excavate a local battlefield at Moore’s Mill and found a wealth of Civil War treasures.  

Our undergraduate thesis is unlike any of our peer schools: it is also one of the main reasons why our students go on to do incredible things with their lives. We require students to write an in-depth research paper on any historical subject of their choosing. This allows you to find your passion and your unique voice. We will guide you, but this will be your signature work. This is the kind of project you can present on at conferences and talk about on job applications. Few other schools in the nation have a thesis program quite like we do, and it is one of the main reasons why you should find a home at Westminster.