History Major & Minor

Are 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.

Choose Your Own Adventure: Goshen College’s History Program

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 Whether you focus on oral history, research papers, or historical documents, you will learn how to ask the right questions and find answers.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.

History Students Study the Past to Understand the Present and Shape the Future

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.

A History Program with a Global Perspective

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.

Join an Academic Program with Real-World Experiences

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!