The History (BA) program develops a deep knowledge of the past and builds transferable skills that prepare students for careers in a wide variety of fields, including government and public service, business, journalism and the media, the military, education, non-profit organizations, and graduate school. By studying the past, students gain the context and tools to better understand our contemporary world and to adapt to a changing future.
All courses emphasize content knowledge and skills development. History students develop strong writing, research, communication, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. You will take a broad range of courses in areas such as American history, European history, non-Western history, and public history. Before you graduate, you will complete a capstone experience in which you develop a major research project applying the skills you have obtained. We emphasize students expanding their learning beyond the classroom through hands-on experiences, such as internships, independent research, and service-learning projects.
With a deep foundation in marketable skills, history majors are well prepared to pursue a career in a wide variety of professional fields. Our graduates use their degree to springboard to government and public service, media and journalism, business careers, education, and graduate school. Our department's focus on global history prepares students for careers with international organizations and government agencies that seek individuals with an understanding of other societies and cultures. Our department offers students continuous career advisement to introduce possible career paths. We invite our alumni back to campus for networking and encourage students to complete internships to develop work-place skills.
Career paths for history majors include:
- Museums and Historical Organization Director
- Cultural Resources Management and Historic Preservation Specialist
- Archivist and Librarian
- Public Relations Specialist
- Foreign Service Officer
- Lawyer
- Lobbyist and Policy Advisor
- Business Consultant
- Marketing Associate
- Non-Profit Director
- Writer and editor
- Journalist
- Information Manager
Our students also pursue graduate studies in a wide variety of fields, such as law school, public history, public administration, and divinity school.
Our classes are small and students get to know and work with faculty both inside and outside the classroom. There are many great opportunities for experiential learning, including internships, studying abroad, research, campus talks and events, and volunteer opportunities. The surrounding area offers Ship students a rich variety of historic sites and institutions for internship and research opportunities, including:
- Fashion Archives and Museum of Shippensburg University
- Cumberland County Historical Society
- Gettysburg National Military Park
- Pennsylvania State Museum and Archives
- United States Army Heritage and Education Center
- United States Civil War Museum
The department also has an active History Club to take part in activities and field trips to historical sites, as well as Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. The student-run organization also connects with alumni, allowing you to learn about careers through lectures, workshops, and shared experiences. We also have an active chapter of Pi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society, for those who qualify.
Course work for History B.A.
In addition to general education requirements, this major requires a solid core in history courses with many opportunities to pursue personal interests through history electives. The history major provides great flexibility that allows you to pair your history degree with one or two minors to broaden your skills and get an edge when looking for employment or applying to graduate school. This degree includes 42-45 credits in free electives.
For full course descriptions, please visit the undergraduate catalog.
*All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.
American History Concentration
American History Concentration allows you to pursue specialized coursework and develop expertise in United States history. The program develops a deep knowledge of the past and builds transferable skills that prepare students for careers in a wide variety of fields, including government and public service, business, journalism and the media, the military, education, non-profit organizations, and graduate school. By studying the past, students gain the context and tools to better understand our contemporary world and to adapt to a changing future. This degree includes 36-39 credits in free electives. For full course descriptions, please visit the undergraduate catalog.
Asian & Middle Eastern Concentration
Asian & Middle Eastern History Concentration allows you to pursue specialized coursework and develop expertise in Asian and Middle Eastern history. The program develops a deep knowledge of the past and builds transferable skills that prepare students for careers in a wide variety of fields, including government and public service, international organizations, business, journalism and the media, the military, education, non-profit organizations, and graduate school. By studying the past, students gain the context and tools to better understand our contemporary world and to adapt to a changing future. This degree includes 36-39 credits in free electives. For full course descriptions, please visit the undergraduate catalog.
European History Concentration
European History Concentration allows you to pursue specialized coursework and develop expertise in European history. The program develops a deep knowledge of the past and builds transferable skills that prepare students for careers in a wide variety of fields, including government and public service, international organizations, business, journalism and the media, the military, education, non-profit organizations, and graduate school. By studying the past, students gain the context and tools to better understand our contemporary world and to adapt to a changing future. This degree includes 36-39 credits in free electives. For full course descriptions, please visit the undergraduate catalog.
Public History Concentration
Public History Concentration provides the specialized training, mentorship, and hands-on experiences that prepare you for a career working with history in public settings, such as a museum, archive, government agency, or historic site. As one of the oldest undergraduate public history programs in the country, Shippensburg University offers a quality degree with a national reputation and an enthusiastic network of loyal alumni eager to help Ship students to make connections and launch their careers. This degree includes 36-39 credits in free electives. For full course descriptions, please visit the undergraduate catalog.