History and Social Science Division

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Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Description:

History is the study of the past with the aim of understanding the future.  Historical inquiry scrutinizes human action and belief, for better or worse.  It seeks to understand the forces and trends that shaped events and actions.  The historian critically draws upon a variety of sources.  Historians not only learn about what happened, they learn how to ask and answer good questions about the past.  At a Christian institution of higher learning, we are especially interested in the story of faith and helping students understand the relationship between faith and history.

What types of students succeed in this program?

The students who pursue a major in History love learning, reading and solving mysteries.  They love to travel, (often to exotic locations)!  They understand that the study of the past tells who we are and where we are going.  The History student often has a rich, deep faith embedded in the backgrounds to Scripture and the story of the church.  History majors are bored studying the same old things.  They love the wide application of a number of areas of study to their own pursuits.  Because they love teaching and people (history is the study of people) they are extremely humble about the fact that they are the true Renaissance people who love the Liberal Arts and hope to change the world.

What can I do with this major or minor?

Broadly trained and enlightened students have the basic skills for success in almost any imaginable avocation.  Graduates have gone into teaching whether in elementary of secondary education or some form of public history with a corporation or other entities with a need to educate the public.  Some students go on to graduate school and earn an advanced degree in history or some related field opening up more educational opportunities perhaps even at the college level.  History graduates have also pursued less traditional careers.  Many pursue a career in business; go to law school or to seminary.  Some have even gone on to Medical School having attained the requisite courses in science.  History is also commonly used as a double major supplementing any other major by providing a historical perspective and research skills.

Some career options include:
Anthropologist
FBI / CIA Agent
Journalist
Archeologist
Foreign News Correspondent
Lawyer
Archivist
Foreign Service Officer
Lecturer
Biographer
Genealogist
Legal Assistant / Paralegal
Clergy
Government Official
Librarian
Community Relations Director
Historian
Lobbyist
Congressional Aide
Historic Preservationist
Market Research Analyst
Consumer Advocate
Historic Site Tour Guide
Media Consultant
Counselor
Historical Society Staff
Museum Curator
Criminologist
Indicter
Museum Tech. & Specialist
Demographer
Insurance Agent / Broker
Park Ranger
Economist
Intelligence Analyst
Peace Corps / Vista Worker
Editor
International Relations
Political Scientist
Psychologist
Teacher, Social Studies
Urban Administrator
Public Relations Specialist
Technical Writer
Urban Planner
Research Assistant
Travel Agent
Writer / Author
Sociologist

What are some of internships or partnerships with this program?

Greater Grand Rapids is a wonderful location to find internships and wonderful opportunities for History majors.  There are a number of museums in the area making for numerous opportunities for internships.  Because of the association of the city with President Gerald Ford, his papers, memorabilia and personal affects are archived and maintained in Grand Rapids providing for another singular opportunity to work at an nationally recognized institution.  In addition to the opportunities in Greater Grand Rapids, some students have been placed in internships in Detroit and Chicago allowing for innumerable opportunities.

What is the future outlook with a degree in this area?

Skilled Christian helpers are needed in all areas of society, and this need is only likely to intensify.  With so many challenges and adversities facing today’s individual, families and communities, an increasing breadth of organizations, agencies, and churches are seeking the expertise of professional psychologists to provide support and counsel to employees, clients, and groups.  The future of psychology and the helping professions is very secure, particularly for those willing to pursue advanced training and specialization.

See admissions (prospective students) or career services (current students) for more information