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Why Major in History at Allegheny College

Rather than asking what happened, we ask how we know. Hone in on research and writing skills to better understand the complex relationship between the past and present to prepare for your future.

Unusual Combinations
Students often combine History with:

Division

  • Values and Society

Program Type

  • Major
  • Minor

Number of Credits

46 for major24 for minor

Where History Alumni Work Today

Director of Federal Relations

City of Boston

Sam Hyun ’14

Volunteer Coordinator

Smithsonian Institution

Michelle Welker ’11

Founder

The Curious Art Historian

Janelle Diethelm ‘12

Communications Director

Nan Whaley for Governor

Courtney Rice ’12

Public Policy Attorney

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Fred Eames ’86

Your Four-Year Journey

History Overview

Year 1: Understanding

Begin with survey courses in European, American, and non-Western history to gain exposure to a wide range of geographic, regional, and national histories. Courses offered include History of the United States to 1865, Colonial Latin America, A History of the Modern Middle East, 1839-present, The Greek World, 1184-323 BCE, and The Soviet Century, 1917-present. 200-level topical courses are also an option for entering students.

Year 2: New Approaches

Dive into historical interpretation and debate in 200-level and 300-level courses. 200-level topical courses include A Survey of American Women’s History, Socialism and Post-Socialism in People’s Republic of China, African-American History since 1865, Law and Democracy in Ancient Greece, and Piracy in the Americas. In the second year, you’ll also learn the tools of the historian in the sophomore seminar.

Year 3: Delving Deeper

Explore historical interpretation and argument in 200-level and 300-level courses. 300-level topical courses include The Third Reich and the Holocaust, Disease and Medicine in Modern History, American Environmental History, Modern Chinese Warfare, and Dictators & Development in Latin America. In the third year, you’ll also take an intensive Junior Seminar to strengthen your research and writing skills, and you’ll begin to identify a region and period to explore in your senior comp.

Year 4: The Comp

The senior comp is a centerpiece of the fourth year. Working closely with your comp advisor, you’ll conduct extensive research using primary and secondary documentation and develop an original thesis and argument. You’re immersed in a research project of your own design!

Research and Internships

Allegheny History Students Learn By Doing

Hands-on experience is vital to exploring the relationship between past and present. Students are encouraged to take part in a variety of professional and experiential opportunities including:

  • Student-faculty research
  • Study abroad
  • Internships

House Museums and Exhibiting History Co-Op

Work with Allegheny faculty or intern with local and national organizations to gain practical experience and explore connections to your classroom learning:

  • Learn about historical interpretation and gain valuable marketing and leadership skills at Gettysburg National Military Park, the Seminary Ridge Museum, and the Eisenhower National Historic Site at Gettysburg Battlefield.
  • Use support from the Paula A. Treckel History Department fund and the Ken Robertson ‘65 fund to conduct research and share your findings at professional meetings and conferences.
  • Intern with the Crawford County Historical Society, the Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum, and the Drake Well Museum to gain critical skills in the field of museum studies.

Pop-Up Museum – Public History

  • The past carries great weight and responsibility. Promote dialogue about history between scholars and the public as part of course activities and experiential learning opportunities.
  • Make specialized knowledge accessible and engaging to the public.
  • Collaborate with diverse communities to develop new knowledge and projects.
  • Educate the Allegheny campus and local communities through temporary pop-up museums – shed light on underrepresented history and share it with the public!

Recent Internships

  • Gettysburg National Military Park – Museum and visitor center
  • Robert H. Jackson Center – A non-profit organization in Jamestown, New York
  • Homeless Children’s Education Fund – A non-profit organization in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Smithsonian American Art Museum – Museum in Washington, D.C.
  • National Museum of the United States Navy – Museum in Washington, D.C.
  • New Heritage Theatre Group (NHTG) – A non-profit organization in New York City, New York

Recent Senior Comps

The Senior Comp is the culmination of four years of experience, imagination, and study. It is the moment when you demonstrate what you’ve learned by teaching us something new.

  • The Whitewashing Narrative of Black American History in 20thCentury Education
  • The Erie Canal and its Influence On Religious and Social Reform Movements in the Burned Over District
  • Religions of the Volksgemeinschaft: How Three Christian Churches were similar in their Interpretations

Study Away Opportunities

Study away from campus during your junior year and earn transfer credits that apply to your degree.

Faculty and Staff

Judson Herrman

Professor

Ph.D., Harvard University; B.A., University of Michigan

Kalé Haywood

Associate Professor

Ph.D., M.A., Stanford University; B.A., University of Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions About the History Program

What type of degree is a History major?

Students who major in History at Allegheny College will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Are there any clubs and activities available for History students?

Yes, there are multiple campus organizations that can benefit students in the History program, such as the Phi Alpha Theta professional society. Explore all Allegheny College clubs and organizations.

Program Contact

E. Kalé Haywood

Associate Professor of History; Department Chair of History, Jewish Studies, Philosophy, Public Humanities, Religion in American Life

Email(814) 332-4306