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College of Arts & Sciences

History

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Why pursue a history degree at North Central College?

Historians are the masters of the past, devoting their careers to studying notable events such as conflicts, political milestones and social movements. Historians also provide context to present and future events, often working in consulting roles at various government, public, private or nonprofit organizations. At North Central College you will study history from around the world. A successful graduate from this program might go on to be a history professor, museum archivist or curator, historical advisor or attend graduate school. In this program, you’ll gain solid writing and analytical skills that every successful career requires.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN 

  • Providing historical insight or advice around current events
  • Collecting and evaluating information from primary sources to answer questions around history
  • Analyzing written records, physical artifacts and other evidence to present findings and create value for modern society

then a degree in HISTORY might be right for you.

Why study history at North Central College?

In the Classroom 

  • American Cities and Suburbs
  • American Environmental History
  • Asia’s Rapid Industrialization
  • Early Modern Europe
  • European Intellectual History
  • Historical Methods
  • Immigration and U.S Ethnic Identity
  • Japanese History
  • Nineteenth Century Europe: Sex and Mass Hysteria
  • Public History and Local History
  • Science, Religion and Magic in Early Modern Europe
  • Twentieth Century Europe: Hitler Versus Stalin
  • U.S. and Illinois to 1865
  • U.S. and Illinois from 1865–1945
  • U.S. and Illinois since 1945
  • U.S. Social Movements
  • U.S. Women’s History
  • World Wars of the 20th Century

Campus Virtual Tour

Beyond the Classroom 

As a history major, you can: 

  • Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
  • Prepare for careers in public history and museums by working with the College’s own full-time archivist and with exhibit curators and history professionals at nearby organizations like Naper Settlement, the Chicago History Museum, Cantigny’s First Division Museum, the Newberry Library and the Field Museum.
  • Collaborate and research with renowned faculty like Dr. C. Frederick Toenniges, Professor of History Ann Keating, a renowned expert on Chicago-area history and the editor of several authoritative historical references.
  • Join the History Association, which establishes an atmosphere for students interested in history to gain exposure in their field.

Related Information

If you are interested in History, you may also want to learn more about our Social Science/History major and History department.

History, B.A.

The History major provides an excellent liberal arts education that prepares students for a wide variety of careers.  Some History majors want to work as historians, and they go on to graduate study in History or pursue public history careers in museums, libraries, and archives. Others use their in-depth training in research, writing and critical thinking to pursue careers in business, law, government or media. History Majors gain a deeper understanding of U.S. history and World history, choosing from courses examining a wide variety of regions, historical periods and themes. They take a methods class providing training in historical research and then do original research projects in upper-level seminars and in the senior capstone seminar.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see History.

At least 36 credit hours in history to include:

Methodology

U.S. History Courses (200-level or above)

Two of the following:

Non-U.S. History Courses (200-level or above)

Two of the following:

Advanced History Seminars

Two of the following:

Note:

Courses taken for the U.S. & Non-U.S. requirements may apply to the Advanced Seminar requirement.

Capstone

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

History Minor

The History Minor is an excellent choice for students seeking a program of study that provides additional training in research, writing and critical thinking. History Minors gain a deeper understanding of U.S. history and World history, choosing from courses examining a wide variety of regions, historical periods and themes. They also take a methods class providing training in historical research and they do original research in an upper-level seminar. A Minor in History will build enhanced skills that pair well with a wide variety of pre-professional majors and liberal arts majors.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see History.

A minimum of 20 credit hours in History, including:

  • HIST 200 - Historical Methods

    HIST 200 - Historical Methods

    Schedule Of Classes

    • One U.S. History course at the 200-level or above

    • One Non-U.S. History courses at the 200-level or above

    • One 300-level History seminar

    • One additional History elective

History Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

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

  • 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

  • Museum curators and educators
  • History teachers and professors
  • Lawyers
  • Writers, journalists, and bloggers
  • Archivists and librarians
  • Government and nonprofit
  • Business and private sector
     

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