History
History offers a compelling vision of human activity and capability—from the heights of human creativity and compassion, to the depths of cruelty. It offers a unique analytical perspective on the world, too, because it brings to bear a comprehensive view that social science disciplines seldom match. To understand history, we need to know about culture, religion, art, as well as politics and war. The study of history permits a breadth of knowledge, an understanding of trends, and many other intellectual perspectives that allow an individual to better comprehend today’s complex world.
Degree Types: Bachelor of Arts, Minor
Explore Interests Related to History
Degree Options
Popular Double Majors or Minors
- Political Science
- Classics
- Economics
- Anthropology
- English
About the Program
Why should I pursue this degree?
You might like this program if…
- You want to learn to assess the credibility of sources; in today’s media-rich environment, you will put this skill to work every day.
- You want to gain a deeper understanding of complex causalities; as a history student you will practice thinking about the significance of multiple, often interlinking factors and the way they contribute to complex events.
- You’re interested in pursuing a career in law, business, education, museums and public history.
- You are interested in accessing scholarship funding for study abroad and research
Transferable Skills
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Attention to Detail and Organizational Skills
- Mediation and Conflict Resolution
- Research Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
Coursework
Opportunities to explore the following topics:
- Military History
- American and World History
- Medieval History
- Ancient History
- History of Science and Technology
Out-of-Classroom Experiences
Internships
- Deloitte
- Foreign Policy Research Institute
- U.S. Department of the Treasury
- Penn State University Libraries
- U.S. Congress
- U.S. Department of State
- History department sponsored internships, including Penn State Walking Tour development internship, Harper’s Ferry, Lemont Village Association, Piper Aviation Museum, and many more
Education Abroad Destinations
France
Israel
Italy
Latvia and Lithuania
Poland
Spain
United Kingdom
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
Career Paths
Continuing Education
- Law school
- Medical school
- Grad school to study history, archaeology, biomedical sciences, Viking and Medieval Norse studies, classics, cinema and media studies, classical languages and literature, paralegal, European studies, public affairs, international affairs, health advocacy, higher education administration, philosophy, museum studies, political science, public policy, and theology
Job Titles
- Special Projects Librarian
- Archivist or Researcher
- Public Policy Strategist
- Government Relations Coordinator
- Grants Specialist
- Legislative Director
- Lawyer
- Teacher
Industries
Communications, Legal, Management, Marketing, Sales, Service (Teach for America), Teaching
Employers
- Vanguard
- Deloitte
- U.S. Army
- Sirius XM
- Mayo Clinic
- Salesforce
- National Park Service
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Library of Congress
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Department of Justice
- High school and universities
- JP Morgan Chase & Co
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Northrop Grumman
Have questions about this program?
Future students, contact the Liberal Arts Recruitment Team.
Current students, contact your academic adviser.
This program is housed
in the Department of History
at Penn State University Park and Penn State World Campus.