The study of history is more than the survey of monarchies, colonies, industrialization and the dates of wars waged.

Historians seek to understand the past and how it can impact the future of humankind. A truly interdisciplinary field that encompasses art, architecture, economics, philosophy, politics, technology and more, history is made every single day. At Emmanuel, you will explore the enormous variety of human experiences and how society has evolved from its past—or if it is destined to repeat it.

A Best-in-Class Experience

Get to know the people and programs that will define your academic journey.

Student-Faculty Research Highlight: History

Meet the Faculty

Our distinguished faculty publish, exhibit and research. Present, compose and chair. Inspire and collaborate.

The Curriculum

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for B.A. in History

Choose three from the following:

  • HIST1105 United States History to 1877 (H) (HI)
  • HIST1106 United States History Since 1877(H) (HI)
  • HIST1107 African History: Themes (H) (HI)
  • HIST1108 World History to 1500 (H) (HI) (DM)
  • HIST1109 Modern World History (H) (HI)
  • HIST1111 An Introduction to East Asian History (HI) (DM)
  • HIST1114 Creating the Atlantic World (HI)

Required Core Courses:

  • HIST2701 Historical Methods and Research (WI)
  • HIST4000 Senior Seminar
  • HIST4194/95 Internship I & II
  • Five other departmental courses; at least three must be at the 3000-level

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for Minor in History

  • Five department courses: one must be at the 3000-level and no more than three at the 1000-level

Learning Goals & Outcomes

  • Analysis. Through evaluation of historical information, data, sources, and methodologies, students will broaden and deepen their critical thinking and analytical skills and understand how different ideas (political, cultural, economic, religious), geography (location, environment, resources), and diversity (race, class, gender, ethnicity) have influenced historical interpretations. Students are equipped with the necessary intellectual skills in the pursuit of knowledge.

  • Research. Students conduct primary and secondary source research utilizing up-to-date methods and sources, including digital and media resources; students will know how to locate, evaluate, and ethically use this information effectively in constructing an argument. Through research and dialogue, students reflect on diverse perspectives in all that they research.

  • Historiographical Literacy. Students will be able to compare and contrast historical interpretations, recognizing there is no one historical truth and that interpretations have changed, and will continue to change, over time. Through research students will be ale to examine cultures in a comparative context and to place their own culture, values, and ethics within larger historical narratives, methods, and fields, deepening their sense of responsibility. 

  • Communication Skills. Students will learn to construct and present persuasive arguments in written, oral, and digital forms that clearly and coherently communicate factual and conceptual understandings of historical change and narratives. 

  • Career Preparation. Students are able to apply the knowledge acquired as a history major in their internship and practicum experience by giving them the opportunity to “do history” and to engage in ethical and creative problem solving for companies, organizations, and institutions. Through these hands-on experiences students are able to explore the many careers available in and out of the field by demonstrating the ability to transfer the analytical, research, and communication skills of a history major to their chosen profession. Students gain valuable professional experience and build relationships, seeing themselves as part of a larger whole, adding value through teamwork and leadership.

Students seeking teacher licensure in history must complete a major in history as well as complete required education courses and student teaching. Education requirements are available through the education department.

Students seeking Initial Licensure in Massachusetts must pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).
 

What can I do with a degree in history?

A degree in history can prepare you for a wide range of careers that involve research, analysis, and communication. Here are some potential career paths:

  • Education: With a degree in history, you can pursue a career in education as a teacher at the secondary or post-secondary level.
  • Archivist or librarian: If you enjoy working with historical documents and artifacts, you might consider a career as an archivist or librarian, where you can manage collections and provide access to historical materials.
  • Museum curator or exhibit designer: If you have a passion for museums and the arts, you can pursue a career as a museum curator or exhibit designer, where you can create exhibits that showcase historical artifacts and educate the public.
  • Historian: A career as a historian can involve conducting research, writing books or articles, and presenting findings to a variety of audiences. Historians can work in a variety of fields, including government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
  • Policy analyst: With a degree in history, you can apply your research and analytical skills to policy analysis, where you can help develop and evaluate public policies.
  • Law: A degree in history can be a good preparation for a career in law, as it provides a strong foundation in critical thinking, research, and communication skills.
  • Journalism or publishing: With a degree in history, you can also pursue a career in journalism or publishing, where you can use your research and writing skills to convey historical information to the public.

These are just a few examples of the many career paths that are available with a degree in history. Other possible career paths include business, non-profit management, and public service.

History majors develop a wide range of valuable skills that can be applied to many different career paths. Some of these skills include:

  • Research skills: History majors learn how to conduct research and analyze information from a variety of sources, including primary and secondary sources, books, articles, and databases.
  • Critical thinking skills: History majors learn how to evaluate information and arguments, assess evidence, and form logical and persuasive arguments of their own.
  • Writing skills: History majors develop strong writing skills, including the ability to write clear, well-organized, and well-supported essays and reports.
  • Communication skills: History majors learn how to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences.
  • Analytical skills: History majors learn how to analyze complex historical events and processes, identify patterns and trends, and draw conclusions based on evidence.
  • Cultural competence: History majors learn about the cultural and social contexts of historical events and processes, which can help them better understand and navigate diverse environments.
  • Time management skills: History majors often have to juggle multiple research and writing projects, so they develop strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Along with areas of knowledge and major requirements, you will cultivate essential values in the classroom and complete two courses in each area:

  • Social Justice (SJ): Develop knowledge, skills, values and motivation to participate beneficially in activities of personal and public concern.
  • Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM): Understand the complexity of identity the historical truths of different cultural perspectives to address bias and examine contemporary social issues. 

One hundred percent of Emmanuel students complete an internship as part of the core curriculum. In a city as dynamic as Boston, your options are bound only by the limits of your curiosity.

In a city with so much history, Boston has many museums, libraries and organizations focused on preserving, interpreting and educating on issues of the past and how they’ve influenced the present. Sites include the John F. Kennedy Library, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Massachusetts Historical Society, as well as in surrounding areas such as Mystic Seaport, Nantucket, Lexington and Newport.

In all majors, the Capstone Experience involves completing a significant piece of work that requires the integration and application of learning from multiple courses.

Dive into historiography, the history of historical writing. You will become familiar with historical methods, classic and recent interpretations of history, varieties of approaches to the past, and major ideologies and arguments in the field. The course provides you a foundation for your future research.

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