History

Major, Minor

The School of Humanities

The History program invites students to explore the past to better understand the present and shape the future. Students study people, events, cultures, and ideas across time while developing strong skills in critical thinking, research, writing, and analysis.

History professor pointing toward student

Opportunities & Outcomes

Studying history at QU offers a major comparative advantage over the same study at a larger institution. As higher education and our wider society transform in unexpected ways in response to the AI revolution, rigorous training is essential – a training which weighs technological challenges and opportunities against timeless skills. More than ever, small class sizes and real attention and guidance are necessary to hone your thinking and develop that elusive mix of confidence and humility that a truly educated person needs. With our small liberal arts identity, we are well-placed to prepare you to rise to the challenge of serving and leading a society at the cusp of profound changes. You’ll emerge from your time at QU with the practical skills that employers are increasingly desperate for, and with the historical vision and ethical foundations to fulfill your purpose and create a better future.

Career Pathways

History training prepares graduates for careers that value analytical and communication skills, as well as for graduate study in history, education, law, public service, and related fields.

Education & Academic Pathways

  • History or social studies teacher
  • Graduate study in the Humanities
  • Academic tutoring or educational support roles

Law, Government & Public Service

  • Law school or legal studies pathways
  • Government or public administration roles
  • Legislative, policy, or research roles
  • Public affairs or civic engagement

Museums, Archives & Cultural Institutions

  • Museum or gallery roles
  • Archivist or records management
  • Historical preservation or heritage roles
  • Cultural or public history program coordinator

Nonprofit, Advocacy & Community Organizations

  • Nonprofit or development founder or director
  • Community outreach or engagement specialist
  • Advocacy or public interest organization roles
  • Faith-based or mission-driven service work

Business, Communication & Research

  • Corporate research or compliance
  • Communications or content development roles
  • Marketing, writing, or editorial positions
  • Consulting or organizational research

 

Programs of Study Offered

  • Bachelor of Arts in History
  • Bachelor of Arts in History, Teacher Licensure
  • History Minor

Learning by Doing

students looking at civil war artifacts

Civil War field trip

Dr. Ward’s Civil War class visited the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County for an interactive session with original artifacts from their collection. The students learned about collection care, how Quincy participated in the war, and about the people the artifacts belonged to.

Group of students standing infront of stone building

Great Books Retreat to New Harmony

Students traveled to Southern Indiana for a Great Books Retreat to learn more about the Utopian community history of New Harmony

Faculty Spotlight

Justin Coffey, PhD

Justin Coffey, PhD

Professor of History

Padraic Rohan

Padraic Rohan

Assistant Professor of History

J. Matthew Ward, PhD

J. Matthew Ward, PhD

Assistant Professor of History

Bonaventure Program

Every QU student’s foundation for our liberal arts education, involving service learning, signature courses, writing, technological literacy. Program Requirements

Take the Next Step