History is certainly full of important dates, figures, and events. But as an academic discipline, it’s far more than memorizing facts. We like to say that our history majors aren’t walking encyclopedias, but rather practitioners of many skills. Studying history teaches you to argue persuasively, reason logically, and write clearly.
Within six months of graduation, nearly 99% of Wheaton’s Class of 2021 found work in their field or continued their education.
One of the country’s largest, most diverse metropolitan areas is a short train or car ride away.
Small class sizes mean individualized attention and greater access to faculty.
You can reach us anytime via admissions@wheaton.edu.
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In today’s fragmented, fast-paced society, a true and rich understanding of political, cultural, and religious environments. Studying history will help you change the world for Christ and his Kingdom. It will also equip you well to pursue your professional goals. History majors sharpen a host of intellectual skills, including the ability to read analytically, reason carefully, argue logically, and communicate persuasively. Studying history at Wheaton provides students with a diverse selection of course offerings by outstanding faculty members who integrate faith into the curriculum and foster an environment of community through small class sizes.
You’ll be introduced to the joys and challenges of studying the past in such a way that you’ll better understand yourself, your own culture, and the broader world. And you’ll be equipped for a variety of vocational paths, including business, politics, law, journalism, teaching, the ministry, and further graduate work in history.
Intentionally flexible with course requirements, our program encourages students to customize their education to fit their passion and goals. For example, a history major with a passion for social justice could take elective courses centered on civil and human rights. Or a student with a second major in a language could focus their electives on the cultural and political history of a certain part of the world.
As a history major at Wheaton, you’ll take core classes in global, American, and Christian history as well as a variety of elective courses in historical eras, issues, and locations of your choice. Class options include:
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Our faculty members specialize in a wide range of eras, regions, cultures, issues, and other areas of expertise including Christianity and the Great Depression, women’s and family history, civil rights, Korea-U.S. interactions, British religious history, the French revolution, modern Middle East, and world Christianity.
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Wheaton College's Library is well-stocked, complete with special collections and archives. And the Department of History itself is a gathering spot; with collaborative spaces, cafe tables, and at the coffee and tea station, you'll often find students studying together.
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Our students engage in independent research, see history come to life while studying abroad, and participate in many clubs and organizations. History majors also benefit from our proximity to Chicago and its world-class museums, architecture, historic sites, and other significant points of interest.
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Experience the land of the Bible with Wheaton professors and local experts. During this six-week study tour program, you will explore the New Testament, Christian theology, and historical geography in places such as Israel, Greece, Turkey, and Italy. Locations, itinerary, and courses vary from year to year.
Interdisciplinary learning is a way of life at Wheaton. Aside from your work within your chosen major, you can enrich your educational experience and connect with peers and professors across campus (and beyond) in many ways.
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A Wheaton education is built on the foundation of our unique Christ at the Core general education curriculum. As a history major, you will engage in theological reflection about the past with an eye to the present and future and learn how to think Christianly while thinking historically.
Learn More About Integration of Faith and Learning for History MajorsSome people might ask, “Is a history degree worth it?” Our alumni think so. History majors are well-prepared for a variety of careers and well-equipped for continued study.
Recent Wheaton history graduates found positions such as:
And they’ve worked for companies and organizations such as:
Our alumni continue their education in graduate and professional programs such as:
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– Ruth Triplet Langworthy '10“The history major prepared me for a career in the law by requiring me to read large volumes of dense text with a high degree of comprehension. As a history major I was also expected to write clearly and concisely.”
With eyes on a legal career, Ruth Triplet Langworthy '10 double-majored in history and philosophy. She says the intensive reading and writing requirements of the history major prepared her well for law school at the University of Minnesota. Ruth advises students interest in pursuing a similar staff to also take classes in business, economics, accounting, and marketing.
Read Ruth's Full StoryInterested in studying history at Wheaton College? Request more information or start your application today.
If you’re a current student or want to dig deeper in this area of study, here are some additional resources for you to explore.
Visit our department website to learn more about our major, curriculum, faculty, and more.
Visit the Wheaton College catalog for specific degree requirements and course descriptions.