History
- Overview
- Careers
- New Freshmen
- New Transfer
- Illinois State Students
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
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Megan Ruffin | 223 Bone Student Center | mhruffi@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2200 |
Internship Coordinator
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alan Lessoff | 327 Schroeder Hall | ahlesso@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-8083 |
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
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ron Gifford | Schroeder Hall 321 | rmgiffo@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-8298 |
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
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ron Gifford | Schroeder Hall 321 | rmgiffo@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-8298 |