History Degree
Studying history means simply studying the past, right? Webster’s thinks so: history: an account of what has happened, esp. in the life of a people, country, etc.
Yes, studying history does mean studying the past, but it’s the connection to today and the understanding of different cultures that make it so valuable.
Instead of asking what can I do with a history degree, you should be asking what can’t I do. To understand any issue, you have to know its origins. When a gun control bill is discussed in the media, current issues are intertwined with the American Revolution and the Constitution. When the banking and mortgage crises hit, past tax reforms, deregulation, and lending practices were brought to the forefront.
Curriculum
The courses offered in the History program reflect the depth, complexity, and richness of the human experience and events that have shaped the world. Global or local. Foreign or domestic. These are geographic descriptions—our curriculum goes much deeper.
You’ll explore U.S. history by studying about the Native American legacy, labor movements, the rights of women and minorities, and presidential elections. You’ll discover Europe by diving deeply into the Enlightenment, the Cold War, and the religious friction in Northern Ireland. East Asia and the Middle East will be explored. We even cover Rhode Island history by examining the rum and slave trade, the Industrial Revolution, and the growth of the state’s cities.
Sample courses
- History of Rhode Island
- Women and the Modern American Experience
- History of the Modern Middle East
- Europe Since 1945
Additional details regarding the curriculum can be found on the catalog site.
Student Profile
John McNeil
B.S. History, Teacher Certification Program
Student Teacher, Cumberland High School
When John decided to go back to school to pursue his passion for history, the SCE staff at PC “went above and beyond,” he says. John has found the experience affordable—thanks to expert guidance and reasonably priced courses—and truly life-changing. “It has been two years of building a fraternal bond with classmates, faculty, and staff. This school has made me a better person.”
What Can You do with a History Degree?
Any job that requires you to speak and write clearly and effectively, research various topics in-depth, and understand diverse perspectives. History isn’t about remembering dates. History lives for today — guiding everything we do and everything around us. Just ask school teachers, journalists, lawyers, librarians, and legislators.
