A degree that connects the lessons of history to impact the world of today
A history degree from Providence College instills both historical knowledge and the analytical reasoning to apply that knowledge for the addressment of today’s complex issues. When a gun control bill is introduced, current issues become entangled with rights forged during the American Revolution and formation of the Constitution. During the banking and mortgage crises, prior economic recessions, deregulation, and lending practices were brought to the forefront. The ability to form sound policies and solutions using historical data/insights will make you a valuable asset for roles in government to private industry.
The courses offered in our history program reflect the depth, complexity, and richness of the human experience, and how those experiences play into the events that shape our world.
Your U.S. history studies will explore 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. From there, you’ll explore the major events and issues that shaped the Middle East and Africa. We even cover Rhode Island history by examining the rum and slave trade, the Industrial Revolution, and the growth of the state’s cities.
Student-to-faculty ratio for a highly personalized program
You’ll complete your studies part-time, with courses offered year-round in the evenings (online and on campus). This program requires 120 credit hours of study, which consists of:
Core Requirements (42 credit hours),
History Coursework (33 credit hours), and
Free Electives (45 credit hours)
History coursework requirements include:
HIS 100: Thinking and Writing about History (3 credits) Introduction to the study of the field of history. Considers the methods of historical thinking that involve the critical investigation, interpretation, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of historical sources as well as the development of essential writing, research, and verbal skills. Further considers basic issues of historiography and the philosophy of history.
HIS 107: U.S. History to 1877 (3 credits) Survey course of American history from colonial beginnings through Reconstruction.
HIS 108: U.S. History Since 1877 (3 credits) Survey course of American history from the end of Reconstruction through the present day.
Choice of eight, upper-division courses distributed as follows (24 credits):
Pre-1715 European course (3 credits)
Post-1715 European course (3 credits)
Additional European course, either pre- or post-1715 (3 credits)
This program helps prepare you for careers including, but not limited to*:
Attorney
Legislator or legislative staff member
Librarian
Museum curator
Teacher/Professor
Journalist
Historic Preservationist
Historian
Financial Analyst
*Keep in mind that several professions may require advanced degrees or training.
Faculty
Here we spotlight a few of the faculty contributing to this program.
Erik J. Chaput, Ph.D. Professor Chaput is a recognized expert in American and Rhode Island history as well as an author. He teaches courses in the American Revolution, Civil War, and Age of Jefferson and Jackson.
Matthew Dowling, Ph.D. Professor Dowling is a historian of modern France, with a focus on the intersection of religious and social history. His past research includes examining the role of French missionaries in the Pacific during the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. You’ll likely have him for courses in modern European history. He also teaches an introductory course in African history.
Darra Mulderry, Ph.D. Professor Mulderry is an expert in modern U.S. history, European Intellectual history, and religious history. She is the director of National Fellowships and Scholarships, associate director of the Center for Engaged Learning at Providence College, and associate editor of the New England Journal of History.
Connect With Us
Ready to take the first step? Our advisers will help you create a personalized education plan. This includes guidance on the number of credits you can transfer as well as financial aid.
