History requires active inquiry into the human past. By delving into the past, Earlham students gain a better understanding of the present, training them for citizenship and for a life of thoughtful action.
Historians at Earlham work with students not just to understand what happened in the past but how to be historians, studying all parts of the world and humanity in all of its diversity from a variety of perspectives and methods.
Some history majors pursue the law and social justice applied minor. These courses provide an understanding of the role of law in the quest for social justice. Students can examine major court decisions, the structure of the nation’s legal system, and the theoretical and philosophical assumptions about the law.
Through our 3+1 Education Program, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and teaching license—all in just nine semesters. You’ll leave Earlham with two degrees, licensed to teach grades 5-12 in Indiana. (And it’s easy to transfer your license to other states—many of our graduates do!)
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in History, you must complete the following courses, in addition to general education requirements.
The department offers the following courses to satisfy general education requirements:
Majors are required to take:
A total of 35 credits consisting of:
One of the following two courses:
Senior Capstone Experience
To earn a minor in history, you must complete no fewer than five courses with at least three courses in one geographic or thematic area and one course in another area.
Among these courses:
one must be designated as giving research credit
AND, one must be either
100% of history major graduates from the classes of 2017-19 were working or in grad school within six months of graduation.
91% of work seekers who majored in the social sciences between 2018-2022 were employed, pursuing graduate school or volunteering within six months of graduation.
Top ranked
The American Historical Association ranks Earlham 16th in the country for production of future Ph.D.s. Our majors pursue graduate school for degrees in fields as diverse as history, museum studies, teaching, law and public health.
Outcomes
In the past decade, Earlham history majors have pursued graduate work at the University of Chicago, Harvard Divinity School and Northwestern University, attended Columbia Law School, pursued library and archival careers and taught in a variety of settings, including Teach for America.
What types of jobs and graduate school programs do graduates pursue?
Recent graduates have made successful careers as educators in archival, library or museum settings or in public history.
Many use history to prepare themselves for careers in business, law, management, medicine, politics, foreign service, publishing, political advocacy, ministry, law enforcement and public service. In addition, many go into teaching, in both public and private schools.
What kind of research experience and internships are available?
Recent students have received funding from Earlham for internships as archives assistants, researchers for journalists and historical site tour guides as well as in museums.
Learn more about available programs via our Center for Global and Career Education.