Diana Navarro '16
Diana Navarro, a 2016 graduate with a history major, knew Goshen had a tight-knit community. The friendliness on campus is still one of her favorite things about GC.
Diana's storyAre you curious how past events have shaped today’s headlines? Are you passionate about understanding past cultures? If so, our history major or minor is right for you.
History students are free to pursue courses that appeal to their personal preferences with our adaptable curriculum. You might focus on a specific region or time period, or explore a range of global topics. When studying history at GC, you will gain the necessary skills to become an articulate and thoughtful thinker and pursue many different types of careers.
Goshen College’s history program is known for its rigorous research opportunities. Whether you focus on oral history, research papers, or historical documents, you will learn how to ask the right questions and find answers. You can gain practical experience and make connections in the field by completing an internship at a local museum or community organization. Furthermore, you can showcase your findings and deepen your knowledge by writing a senior thesis.
At Goshen, you will study history and the local impact of global issues by examining diverse subjects such as ethnic conflict, war and peace, poverty, immigration, gender roles, the environment, racism, globalization, and the implications of the Christian faith in a changing society. Course requirements will be flexible, allowing preferred courses that suit your unique interests, like ancient world history, military history, civil war, and modern world history to name a few.
Our professors are experienced professionals with a passion for teaching and mentoring. History majors and minors will join a community of learners with diverse academic interests and career goals.
Prospective history students will explore their passions through experiential learning opportunities both locally and abroad. At GC, you will conduct hands-on research, complete an internship at a local museum or community organization, and write a senior thesis using primary sources. You can also take a course on Anabaptist history in Paraguay, Native American history in the Southwest, or Islamic history in Morocco!
You will graduate with the writing skills, research skills, communication skills, and critical thinking skills to succeed in graduate school and various careers. Possible career paths include professional historians, museum curators, history teachers, middle school and high school teachers, university professors, library science, project management, government agencies, and other nonacademic careers.
So, what are you waiting for? Goshen College’s history program offers opportunities for students of all majors. Prepare for a career in law, education, museum work, government, and many other fields by studying with us. Get started today by completing the form below. Financial aid is available. Contact us today to learn more!
Diana Navarro, a 2016 graduate with a history major, knew Goshen had a tight-knit community. The friendliness on campus is still one of her favorite things about GC.
Diana's storyDan Eash-Scott '24 chose Goshen for the study abroad opportunities and the community.
Malinda Berry, a '96 history and English double major from Elkhart, Indiana, reflects on faith and learning.
Malinda's storyJanelle Diller discusses the unexpected ways her history major has contributed to her critical thinking expertise in her international work experience as well as an children's author.
Janelle's storyPaul '08 and Rebecca '08 Shetler Fast are dedicated to cross-cultural service for others.
Jan Bender Shetler specializes in African history because she loves bringing alive part of the world that is not well known for students and which often suffers from dangerous stereotypes.
Jan's storyof history alumni agree that their undergraduate education prepared them for graduate or professional school
of alumni agreed that history professors are genuinely interested in their students
of GC history and political science faculty have Ph.D.s
Number of history courses that will take you off-campus (Paraguay, Southwest U.S., Morocco)
Learn more about Goshen College's exceptional academic outcomes and national rankings.
John Roth
Professor of History
MHL Director
MQR Editor
Elizabeth Miller
Director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism
Assistant Professor of History
Julia Schiavone Camacho
Associate Professor of History
Philipp Gollner
Associate Professor of US History & MQR Book Review Editor
Jan Bender Shetler
Director of International Education
In August 2022, Elizabeth Miller joined the Goshen College History Department as an assistant professor of history and is also serving as the next director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism (ISGA) and the Mennonite Historical Library.
Four professors said farewell to Goshen College this summer as they retire and begin the next chapters in their lives. Together, they have served a total of 111 years, and an average of approximately 28 years at Goshen College.
During the 124th Goshen College Commencement on Sunday, May 1, Dr. John D. Roth addressed the 214 graduates about the big question, “What is the Good Life?” and encouraged them to live with love, truth and healing.