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Program Intro

This program prepares you for careers in education, research, archives, management and government, as well as graduate study. Our talented faculty foster a dynamic classroom environment that brings history alive and encourages you to use your knowledge to solve contemporary problems.

Department of History, Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Earning the History BA will give you the critical thinking, communication and analytical skills employers seek. You can apply for membership in the Phi Alpha Theta national history honor society, which provides opportunities for recognition of excellence and participation in history research conferences.

Curriculum Overview

The PNW History BA meets national standards outlined by the American Historical Association. Special features of the program are its research seminar and internship opportunities. You’ll get the chance to research, write and present your work to a university committee, as well as work in local museums and historical societies.

You can currently complete this degree at PNW’s Hammond campus.

Begin your history degree with general education core courses along with introductory and survey history classes.

See the Full Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • HIST 10500 – Survey Of Global History
  • HIST 10600 – Introduction To History And Social Studies

Progress in your history studies by learning research methods, writing skills and historiography.

See the Full Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • HIST 29500 – Research And Writing In History

Deepen your knowledge of history with topical classes in American, European and world history.

See the Full Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • 30000-level or above US History course – select from the History Electives List
  • 30000-level or above non-US History course – select from the History Electives List
  • Social Ethics – select from the CHESS College Core List

Conclude your history studies with a research seminar. You’re encouraged to complete internships in regional historical societies and museums.

See the Full Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • HIST 49500 – Research Seminar In Historical Topics

Highlights

As a History major, you’ll engage with nationally and internationally recognized faculty who create dynamic classroom experiences. You’ll gain practical experience with internship and networking opportunities in museums across Northwest Indiana and Michigan.

A lion sculpture on PNW's campus PNW graduates at commencement

Outcomes

Our program enables you to:

  • Gain the essential critical thinking skills employers demand
  • Learn research, writing and verbal communication skills
  • Acquire deep historical knowledge, understand interpretations of the past and make connections to today
  • Obtain hands-on experience by working with local museum professionals

Scholarships

Funding opportunities available to History majors include:

See All CHESS Scholarships

Beyond the Classroom

We encourage you to get involved in professional organizations and experiences, including:

  • Phi Alpha Theta national history honor society
  • La Porte County Historical Museum and other historical societies and museums across Porter, La Porte, Lake and Starke counties and Southwest Michigan.

Career Paths

This program prepares you for a range of careers in a number of fields, such as:

  • Law, government service and the not-for-profit sector
  • Teaching
  • Museums and archives

Employers

Our History BA graduates have found meaningful employment at organizations and institutions like:

  • Institute for the International Education of Students
  • University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy
  • La Porte County Historical Museum
Michelle Breslan is pictured.

I fell in love with the people in the department and the subject in general. PNW has become a second home for me.

Tiffany Schoof is pictured.

PNW provides a great learning environment for its students and resources for their success.

PNW student Ariana Bulatovich is pictured.

My history professors help me Power Onward. They all look out for their students and make sure they give their students the best they can offer.

Ariana Bulatovich, ’19, Master of Arts in History, ’21

Meet the Faculty

Wendy St. Jean

Wendy St. Jean, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of History

I am currently the Advisor for the Masters Program. Some of my roles include course redesign projects for the Freshman Year Experience and Gateway History courses.

Michael Connolly

Michael J. Connolly, Ph.D.

Professor of History

Michael J. Connolly is professor of history in the department of history and philosophy. His teaching and research involve the politics and political economy of nineteenth century America.

Kathleen Tobin

Kathleen A. Tobin, Ph.D.

Professor of History

Kathleen Tobin is a Professor of History and former Chair of the Department of History, Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. She has also directed the International Affairs Office and served on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.

A PNW Student in the Classroom

Take the Next Step

See how a PNW degree opens doors, from corporate boardrooms to non-profit leadership.

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