European Studies

European Studies engages you in the cultures and languages of Europe. The program consists of core courses specifically about Europe, courses in a European language other than English, and a number of electives. Students are also required to study abroad to experience cultures and languages first-hand. 

Why Study European Studies?

European Studies prepares you for a career in business, teaching, and other professional fields. Students receive a well-rounded education. Our concentrations include language, culture, history, and society of one or more European nations. You can also get a foundation for advanced study in one of several fields such as:

• European Union Studies
• Fine Arts
• Foreign Languages and Literatures
• International Business
• International Law
• International Relations
• Journalism

Related Skills

• Oral and written communication
• Analysis
• Decision making
• Research
• Ability to develop and present ideas
• Critical thinking
• Languages
• Cultural competency

Being Successful in the Field

• An undergraduate degree in history is good preparation for graduate study in history as well as other areas such as psychology, law, or business.
• Research the prerequisites of the area of interest and tailor program of study to meet curricular and skill needs.
• Research Web sites and books that address various job opportunities, pay structure, and hiring processes.
• Part-time, summer, internship, and volunteer experiences are critical.
• Become familiar with the government application process for opportunities in federal, state, or local government.
• For careers in politics, be prepared to volunteer extensively before being hired or elected as an employee or official. Begin by working with the campaign or official of choice while in college.
  For careers in arts and humanities, obtain a broad liberal arts background including knowledge of the arts, personal and mass communication, and foreign languages.
• Develop skills by obtaining a leadership role in a school or community organization.
• Get involved in student government.
• Prepare to develop a specialty area including both academic training and work experience for history related careers.
• Join related social and/or professional organizations.
• Develop a network of both formal and informal contacts.

Related Fields

Government

Employers

• Federal agencies including: The Smithsonian Institute, National Archives and Records, Library of Congress, National Park Service, Intelligence services, Foreign service
• State and local agencies including: Archives and libraries, museums, parks, and historic sites, municipal archives, arts and humanities councils

Strategies

• Gain relevant experience in student government or other related organizations.
• Complete an internship with a government agency.
• Maintain a superior academic record.
• Plan on obtaining an advanced degree.
• Develop foreign language skills.
• Become familiar with specialized government hiring procedures.
• Consider a variety of entry-level positions in all branches of local, state, and federal government.

Politics

Employers

• Elected or appointed public officials (i.e., legislators, governors, mayors, judges)
• National political party headquarters
• Public interest/advocacy groups
• Political campaign

Strategies

Gain experience and make contacts through internships with government agencies or public officials. Volunteer to work with public interest groups, political campaigns, political associations, or community service projects.
Participate in student government and campus politics.

Law

Employers

• Law firms
• Corporate legal departments
• Government agencies
• Public advocacy groups

Strategies

• Obtain paralegal training or law degree.
• Gain experience through summer or part-time work in a law firm.
• Volunteer with a public advocacy group.
• Participate in mocktrial and pre-law associations.

Nonprofit Organizations

Employers

• History museums and historic sites
• Historical associations and societies
• Cultural heritage organizations
• Historical projects
• Research and service institutions

Strategies

• Volunteer with various nonprofit organizations of interest.
• Consider supplementing curriculum with relevant coursework in anthropology, sociology, art history,or foreign languages.

Curatorial and Archival Management

Employers

• Museums
• Historical homes
• Art galleries
• Special collections
• Historical societies
• Libraries
• Universities and colleges
• National, state, and local government
• Corporations
• Non-profit organizations
• Research institutes

Strategies

• Acquire strong computer knowledge and experience.
• Obtain an internship or volunteerin a related organization.
• Develop excellent written and oral communicationskills.
• Hone organizational skills and develop attention to detail.
• Earn a master's degree in information sciences for advanced opportunities in data management.

Journalism

• Broadcast
• Print

Employers

• News departments of local, public, and commercial radio and TV stations
• Syndicated radio services
• Newspapers
• National, state, and regional radio networks

Strategies

• Work on campus newspaper, TV, or radio.
• Find summer or part-time work with local commercial TV or radio station.
• Volunteer with public TV or radio.
• Consider obtaining a minor or double major in journalism or broadcasting/electronic media.

Education

Teaching: Elementary, Middle, or Secondary, Higher Education
Community Education

Employers

• Public and private schools
• Colleges and universities
• Museums
• Zoological parks, aquariums, wildlife refuges, and bird sanctuaries
• Arboretums, gardens, and conservatories
• Camps
• National and state parks

Strategies

• Develop excellent presentation skills.
• Become skilled in the use of multimedia.
• Learn how to develop curriculums and workshops.
• Become an "expert"in a particular subject.
• Obtain teaching certificate for public school teaching.
• Obtain a graduate degree for college and/or university teaching.
• Gain experience as a tutor, camp counselor, church school teacher, etc.
• Build strong relationships with professors, supervisors, or other community leaders for strong personal recommendations.
• Complete an internship or volunteer in a setting of interest.

Other Professions

• Antiques Dealer
• Archivist
• Banking
• Biographer
• Claims Adjustor
• Clergy
• Congressional Aide
• Consumer Advocate
• Corrections Officer
• Criminal Justice Researcher
• Editor
• Employment Specialist
• FBI/CIA Agent
• Foreign Area Specialist
• Foreign Service
• Genealogist
• Historian
• Historic Preservation Specialist
• Historic Site Administrator
• Historical Museum Worker
• Historical Writer
• Indexer
• Insurance Underwriter
• Journalist
• Lab Technician
• Law Clerk
• Librarian
• Management Trainee
• Museum Curator
• Park Historian
• Politician
• Research Assistant
• Sales Representative
• Security Guard
• Teacher
• Technical Writer
• Tour Guide
• Travel Agent

Career Industry Liaison

Internship Coordinator

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Minimum GPA

2.00

Middle 50% GPA

2.63 - 3.40

Required Courses

Recommended Courses

To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.

• Proficiency equivalent to LAN 111-116
• Western Civilization to 1500 (HIS 101)
• Modern Western Civilization (HIS 102)

Academic Advising

Minimum GPA

2.00

Middle 50% GPA

2.63 - 3.40

Application Period

Applications are always available.

Application Information

Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.

Major Requirements

If 60 or more earned hours: 2.50 GPA in HIS 101, 102, 135, and 136

Academic Advising