Program overview

Goshen College’s history and political science department provides an understanding of global issues with local impact that help you understand the future by examining things such as ethnic conflict, war and peace, poverty, immigration, gender roles, the environment, racism, globalization and the implications of Christian faith in a changing society.

History majors explore economics, political science, sociology and the humanities, and learn communication skills and research skills that can be applied to a wide variety of careers. Hands-on learning opportunities include
participation in the model United Nations program, internships with community organizations, special courses such as Archaeology in Southwest Colorado or Anabaptist History in Europe, and participation in local churches through the Ministry Inquiry Program or the college’s unique Service Inquiry Program.

Course requirements are flexible, allowing you to arrange a concentration of history courses that suits your interests. All majors take the two-part history senior seminar in the fall of their junior year and the spring of their senior year, culminating in a significant research paper, and complete an internship.

Internships and work-study

A variety of internship possibilities are available to students. Opportunities consist of working with community organizations, researching with Mennonite Quarterly Review, and using the college's Service Inquiry Program. Visit the career services internships Web page.

Scholarships
The department provides the Willard and Vera Smith scholarship to a junior and/or senior who elect to study United States History and United States (American) Studies.