History

Explore the past and join the conversations about what happened and why we should care. History not only gives us interesting stories to tell, but helps us further understand ourselves and the world.

Majoring in history lets you dive into the topics you are most excited about. Our program offers nearly 100 courses – from the Middle Ages to the American Revolution. You’ll get the opportunity to learn in small classes from a passionate faculty.

History at Illinois State offers an Accelerated Master’s Degree (AMD) sequence. This option gives high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to earn a master’s degree with only one year of additional study. Once enrolled in the major, you can contact your advisor to learn more.

Why Study History?

History serves as a stepping stone for any career. At Illinois State, you’ll learn critical thinking, writing, research and analysis. These are skills that can be applied to many fields - from business to journalism to law and government.

In addition to our variety of courses, history offers real-world experiences - such as interning at the David Davis Mansion or McLean County Museum of History. Your work can even get published in our journal, Recounting the Past.

Related Skills

• Strong communication skills
• Good analytical skills
• Good decision making skills
• Able to explain ideas
• Strong research skills
• Able to write and present ideas clearly
• Develop patience, persistence, and drive in obtaining history related positions.

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.
• Part-time, summer, internship, and volunteer experiences are critical.
• Become familiar with the government application process for opportunities in federal, state, or local government.

Related Fields

Education

• Teaching: High School, Higher Education
• Community Education
• Corporate Training

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

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

Politics

Employers

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

Law

Employers

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

Business

Employers

• Corporations: marketing, risk assessment, research, public relations

Nonprofit Organizations

Employers

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

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

Journalism

Employers

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

For more information about careers in the field of history, please visit Career Services and the American Historical Association.

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

2.50

Middle 50% GPA

2.73 - 3.54

Required Courses

Students with fewer than 60 earned hours are evaluated on collegiate coursework and grade point average.

Completion of at least three of the following courses with at least 2.5 GPA in those courses: (for students with 60 or more earned credit hours)

• Western Civilization (HIS 101)
• Modern Western Civilization (HIS 102)
• History of the US to 1865 (HIS 135)
• History of the US since 1865 (HIS 136)

Recommended Courses

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

• American history (HIS 135 and 136)
• Western civilization(HIS 101 and 102)

Academic Advising

Minimum GPA

2.50

Middle 50% GPA

2.73 - 3.54

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