History
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Why History at Valpo?
Grounded in our collective story, we radiate a brighter future. Valpo history students don’t simply study the past – they live it. Our students dive deep into humanity’s defining moments. Here, history is a pathway to invaluable knowledge that transcends entire generations. The discerning skills that come with a history major – critical thinking, cultural awareness, contextualization, and analysis – are recognized as critical assets in this ever-evolving digital age.
With a major in history, Valpo students have the option to lend their light to a vast array of professions, from research to guiding the next generation of young minds. Many of the students pair their bachelor of arts in history with Valpo’s pathway to secondary education – a modified education minor that prepares them for licensure to teach at middle and high schools in any state across the nation.
History Highlights
97.6%
of Valpo history graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation.
From Professor to Trusted Advisor
At Valpo, your history professors know you by name. Our faculty members offer their own academic and professional advising, as well as periodic wellness checks for each student.
Countless Career Opportunities
History students can double-major in any field or complement their bachelor’s degree with a versatile minor, such as art, fundamentals of business, or a world language.
History Major Requirements
Valpo’s bachelor of arts curriculum is committed to equipping students with everything they need to shine brightly as caring servant-leaders. Starting year one, every Valpo student embarks on the Valparaiso University Experience (VUE), a set of complementary courses that builds upon each major with an intellectual, emotional, and spiritual journey through our University’s liberal arts core.
This 30-credit major takes eager learners through the history of the Americas, European history, global history, museum studies, United States history through baseball, and so much more. Beyond the classroom, students engage in collaborative projects with cultural institutions like our University Archives and the Porter County Museum, as well as embark on immersive field trips to historical sites like the Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field.
Note: Students who plan on enrolling in a graduate program for history are strongly urged to acquire reading proficiency in at least one modern world language.
Major Requirements: Minimum 30 Credits | ||
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Two 100-level courses. Either HIST 120 or HIST 121 can be used, but not both. | ||
Take one course from the following options: | ||
HIST 225 | Alternative Perspectives of United States History | 3 Cr. |
HIST 232 | Latin American History and Society | 3 Cr. |
HIST 235 | Modern Mexico: Competing Visions of the Nation | 3 Cr. |
HIST 250 | African History and Society | 3 Cr. |
Additional Required History Courses: | ||
HIST 300 | Historiography and Methods | 3 Cr. |
HIST 493 | Research Seminar | 3 Cr. |
At least 15 more credits with no more than 3 credits from the 100-level or 200-level, and at least 12 credits from the 300-level or 400-level. Students must take at least one course in each of the following fields: | ||
History of the Americas | ||
European History | ||
Global History |
History Career Outcomes
Graduates of Valpo’s history program go on to shine in industries like education, law, public policy, museum curation, and nonprofit administration. According to a 2022 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for roles in the field of history is $65,000. Their unique skills take alumni all over the world and ground them in their passions.
Careers in History:
- Archivist
- Attorney
- Educator
- Museum curator
- Nonprofit administrator
- Policy analyst
- Public historian
- Researcher
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Student Success
– Roman Van Meter ’26
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