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History

Studying the past is the key to the future.

History is filled with examples of triumphs and failures. By examining how events unfolded in the past, you can deepen your understanding of current social, political and economic issues — and offer valuable perspectives to future employers in both the public and private sectors.

Overview
Develop deeper perspectives on modern life

Studying history isn’t about memorizing dates — it’s about gaining insight into the ways our world once worked and how that influences modern societies. By contextually understanding the past, you’ll be able to offer clearer perspectives on global issues that impact how organizations operate today.

Explore your historical interest areas

In addition to learning about general world and U.S. history, you’ll examine specific topics in depth, such as the Civil War, Medieval Europe, the Middle East, the Cold War, and women in history. Through your history studies, you will be able to choose the ones that interest you most and pursue them with passion.

Gain core skills to contribute to any organization

In addition to becoming a knowledgeable historian, you’ll also become a strong writer, an effective researcher, and a perceptive analyst — abilities that are in demand and will serve you well in any field you choose to enter.


At a Glance

Degree Type

Bachelor of Arts

Department

History

School/College

College of Arts and Sciences

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here's what you can do next:

The Curriculum

With challenging and relevant courses, outstanding faculty, small class sizes, and an emphasis on hands-on learning, the history program will position you to succeed in your chosen career.

Degree requirements

Find out what it takes to earn a degree in history and explore the courses.


Highlighted Courses

Get familiar with some of the courses you might take in this major.

HIST 326: Civil War: Slavery to Civil Rights

An examination of sectionalism, Civil War and the Reconstruction with emphasis on primary source interpretation. Topics include racism and slavery, the contrasting natures of Northern and Southern societies, the politics of sectionalism, the causes and goals of the Civil War, and racial relationships and policies from Reconstruction to the modern civil rights movement.

See description
HIST 313: Europe and Empire

This course uses the imperial histories of Spain, England, and France to address how European imperialism helped to structure the modern world, anticipating today's globalization. It explores the impact of imperialism and colonialism on peoples and institutions both in Europe and in the rest of the world.

See description
HIST 324: Society and Culture in U.S. History

A thematic study of the social evolution of the United States during its first two centuries of development. Significant intellectual and cultural changes are emphasized through the lens of the five pillars of society, family, education, economics, politics, and religion.

See description
HIST 341: United States Women's History

An in-depth investigation of the interaction of society, women and the community in American history from 1600 to the present. Special emphasis is placed on the ways gender, ethnicity and class influence the role of women in the community with respect to legal rights, sexuality, attitudes and perceptions.

See description
HIST 380: History of Modern China

This course explores the historical transformations that have led to the development of modern China. The course opens with an examination of the Qing dynasty, the last major dynasty in Chinese history, and then explores the forces, internal and external, driving China toward a major revolution in the 20th century.

See description
HIST 384: History of the Islamic World

This course examines the history of the Islamic world. Major topics may include the birth of Islam, the caliphate, interactions with the European and Asian worlds, the revival of Islam, problems of modernization and development, as well as cultural, military, political and intellectual innovations in the Middle East since the 7th century.

See description

View all required courses



Recommended Minors

Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.


The Experience

We offer hands-on opportunities that give you the freedom to explore your passion through real-world work and prepare for a fulfilling career.

  • Internships

    You’ll have the opportunity to participate in internships and engage in projects that will bring you to the archives, libraries, and other sources of primary data in Southern California.

  • Honors Society

    Connect with the intellectual community by joining the National History Honors Society, Phi Alpha Theta. Plugging in to this large and growing professional network of historians will allow you to share your ideas and take an active role in the collective understanding of history.

  • Travel Courses

    International travel courses will allow you to explore histories at the sites of their creation.

  • Study Abroad

    Cal Lutheran offers a range of options for study abroad, from semester programs to short-term travel seminars.

    Benefits of studying abroad include:

    • Gain international perspective
    • Build proficiency in a language
    • Learn to navigate a different environment
    • Develop intercultural awareness
    • Enhance your resume for jobs
Student photo

In my efforts to mentor students in and out of the classroom, I look for ways to encourage each student to discover topics or concerns that spark their curiosity the most. When curiosity is combined with deeply held interest, students’ research, and career goals become clearer, the work required becomes more rewarding and of higher quality, and the difference becomes apparent to their professors as well as potential employers.

David Nelson
Professor

Career Paths

History majors often pursue graduate work in law or the social sciences, but they are equally well-prepared to begin careers in museum studies, archival work, genealogy, public administration and media reporting. If you aspire to become a teacher in grades 7-12, we offer a major for teaching social sciences.


Potential Careers

Archivists

Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

See description

Curators

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

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History Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

See description

Lawyers

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

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Anthropologists and Archeologists

Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations.

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Historians

Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

See description

Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

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Legislators

Develop, introduce, or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, state, or federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.

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Looking for more career paths? Search these related areas to discover more options.

Employers

Some of the organizations our graduates work for include:

  • Bank of America
  • Blue Cross
  • Getty Research Institute
  • Legislative Aide, US Congress
  • Lynda.com
  • Morgan Stanley
  • National Archives and Records Administration
  • National Historical Foundation
  • Office of the Attorney General
  • Peace Corps
  • Public Defenders Office
  • Rocky Mountain Human Services
  • Sony
  • US Navy

Graduate Schools

Our alumni have pursued advanced degrees at:

  • Claremont Graduate University
  • George Washington University
  • Georgetown University Law Center
  • Marquette University Law School
  • New York University (NYU)
  • Royal Holloway, London
  • SMU Dedman School of Law
  • Trinity College, Dublin
  • University of Bristol
  • University of California, Irvine
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of California, San Diego
  • University of California, Santa Barbara
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of Southern California
  • University of Toronto

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Some occupations listed above may require a related graduate degree.

How We Prepare You for Success

We have 20,000+ employer contacts for jobs and internships, with over 200 listings posted each week.

Our excellent career counselors in the Career Services center will get in touch with you during your very first term on campus. They offer over 50 workshops each year on resume writing, interviewing, salary negotiations, applying to graduate schools, and other critical skills to help you begin your career successfully.

After you graduate from Cal Lutheran, you receive free access to Career Services for life, as a valued member of our alumni family.

Learn more about career outcomes

of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months

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We work with students and families to make sure everyone who is admitted to Cal Lutheran can afford it.


Tuition & Fees

You and your family might have questions about how you’ll cover the costs of college. We can tell you this — it costs less than you think.

Read our financial aid guide

Scholarships & Grants

We offer a range of awards based on academic merit and financial need. This is money that does not need to be repaid.

View scholarships and grants

Financial Aid

If you're new to the financial aid process, you probably have a lot of questions. But don't worry — we're here to help guide you all the way.

Learn about financial aid

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