History

Why choose history at North Central College?

You’ll work closely with some of the most well-respected faculty and authorities in the field as you conduct primary research at local and Chicago-area historical centers. And our history major is immensely flexible—it enables you to shape your entire college experience around your interests. You can major and minor in additional areas, such as English, political science or interactive media studies. You can study abroad. Learn new languages. Add Chicago Term and urban/suburban studies to your program. But no matter how you define “history major,” you’ll graduate with the solid writing and analytical skills that every successful career requires.

You may also:

Conduct primary research with area exhibit curators and history professionals, including the College’s own full-time archivist.
Secure internships and future jobs with local historical centers, including the Chicago History Museum, Newberry Library and Naper Settlement.
Collaborate with noted faculty like Dr. C. Frederick Toenniges Professor of History Ann Durkin Keating, a renowned expert on Chicago-area history and the editor of several authoritative historical references.

North Central alumna, English graduate is guest lecturer May 6

North Central College alumna and author Rachel Louise Snyder ’92 will give a talk May 6 on ethical issues in the “post-sweatshop” world.

Students rehearse a scene. From left: Warren Dailey and Evan Michalic

North Central College students stage Holocaust-themed play “Way to Heaven” May 9-12

North Central College students will perform on May 9-12 “Way to Heaven,” a play inspired by actual events that occurred during the Holocaust.

Students learn valuable lessons in leadership from faculty, staff and alumni

North Central College’s annual leadership conference “Lead For A Change” attracts more than 200 student participants.

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Internships

Accession intern, The Field Museum, Chicago
Curatorial intern, Chicago History Museum
Curatorial intern, Naper Settlement, Naperville
Education intern, Museum at Cantigny, Wheaton, IL

Graduate Schools

Recent graduates in history have been accepted at:

American University, Washington, DC
Arizona State University
Iowa State University
Loyola University
Marquette University
Miami University, Ohio
Trinity College, Ireland
University of Leicester, England
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Careers

Recent graduates in history include:

Museum Curators/Educators
History Teachers/Professors
Lawyers
Writers/Journalists/Bloggers
Archivists/Librarians
Government/Non-Profit
Business/Private Sector

Alexis Smith

History major

“History is one big story and always fresh. I like to focus on lesser-known people and feel it’s important for their stories to be told, to appreciate their values, culture and ways they handled life.”

Alexis’ passion for American history, in particular, inspired original research, which she’s presented at undergraduate and graduate-level conferences. Her research and two North Central awards for outstanding major have opened doors to the next chapter in her own story.

She was offered teaching assistant positions at two universities with paid tuition, insurance and a stipend. “I chose the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee so I could work with a particular professor and move into a great Ph.D....

William Miller

History and Political Science double major, History of Ideas minor

“What’s great about North Central’s history department is the flexibility and opportunities to sample everything and then focus on your area of interest,” says William.

William has worked in the College’s Archives, conducted research at Naper Settlement and presented his research on different topics at the Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research.

“During my senior year I hope to work at the National Archives in Chicago as part of my Capstone Seminar paper and College Scholars Honors thesis.”

William carries a second major in political science, minor in history of ideas and is an officer of the Student Government Association. A member of the forensics team, he was a national finalist twice...

Brittany Goudie

History major

When Brittany arrived on campus, she knew she wanted to major in history, but she hadn't given much thought to conducting research. That changed during her first year, when she landed a job in the College's Archives (a section of Oesterle Library dedicated to preserving North Central's permanent records). "That’s when I learned that I loved research," she recalls.

Brittany’s natural affinity for research helped transform her campus job into a three-year internship. One piece of College history caught her eye: a ban on dancing that was lifted in the 1950s. This became the focus of her monograph, "Sinful Strides: The Dancing Ban at North Central College as an Example of Tension Between Religion and...

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