History

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History isn’t just about the past—it’s about understanding change and how it shapes the world today. As a history student, you’ll explore pivotal moments, influential figures, and transformative movements while developing critical thinking, research, and communication skills. Through engaging coursework, discussions, and hands-on research, you’ll learn to analyze historical events and apply those insights to modern challenges, preparing you to make a meaningful impact on your community and beyond.

Experiential Learning

As a history major, you’ll gain hands-on experience that brings the past to life and prepares you for the future. Opportunities include:

Research & Faculty Mentorship

Internships & Community Engagement

Gain real-world experience through internships at museums, historical societies, and nonprofit organizations.
Collaborate on experiential learning projects with community organizations.

Global Learning and Study Abroad

Participate in semester-long and Bradley-sponsored study abroad programs for firsthand cultural experiences.
Take history courses taught by Bradley faculty abroad.

Student Organizations & Honors Societies

Program Details

Major Requirements

Required Courses – 9 hrs.

HIS 203: American History and Global Systems to 1877 (3 hrs.)
or HIS 204: American History and Global Systems since 1877 (3 hrs.)
HIS 350: Historical Methods Seminar (3 hrs.)
HIS 450: US History Research Seminar (3 hrs.)
or HIS 451: Global Hist Colloquium (3 hrs.)
or HIS 452: Area Studies Research Seminar (3 hrs.)

Africa, Asia, Latin America, Middle East or Russia Courses (choose two) – 6 hrs.

HIS 205: Non-Western Civilization: Latin America (3 hrs.)
HIS 206: Non-Western Civilization: the Middle East Since Muhammad (3 hrs.)
HIS 207: Non-Western Civilization: Modern Japan, 1860-Present (3 hrs.)
HIS 208: Non-Western Civilization: Russian History (3 hrs.)
HIS 209: History of Africa (3 hrs.)
HIS 314: Non-Western Civilization: Japan and World War II (3 hrs.)
HIS 322: Ancient Egypt and the Near East (3 hrs.)
HIS 324: Barbarians in History (3 hrs.)
HIS 330: Modern China (3 hrs.)
HIS 331: Samurai in Japanese History (3 hrs.)
HIS 332: Topics in Modern Latin American History (3 hrs.)
HIS 333: Cross-Cultural Contacts (3 hrs.)
HIS 334: Non-Western History: Social (3 hrs.)
HIS 335: Modern Mexico (3 hrs.)
HIS 336: Early Non-Western History and Geography (3 hrs.)
HIS 337: Modern Non-Western History and Geography (3 hrs.)
HIS 338: Russia Since 1917 (3 hrs.)
HIS 339: Women in Global Perspective (3 hrs.)

Western Civilization Course (choose one) – 3 hours

CIV 100: Western Civilization (3 hrs.)
CIV 101: Western Civilization to 1600 (3 hrs.)
CIV 102: Western Civilization since 1600 (3 hrs.)
CIV 111 and 112: Unified Composition and Western Civilization I and II (6 hrs.)
CIV 113 and 114: Unified Fine Arts and Western Civilization I and II (6 hrs.)

Europe Courses (choose two) – 6 hrs.

HIS 210: History of European Film (3 hrs.)
HIS 320: Renaissance and Reformation (3 hrs.)
HIS 321: Topics in European History: Intellectual (3 hrs.)
HIS 323: Ancient Greece and the Hellenistic World (3 hrs.)
HIS 325: Roman Civilization (3 hrs.)
HIS 326: Modern Military Forces and Institutions (3 hrs.)
HIS 327: Topics in European History: Cultural (3 hrs.)
HIS 328: England and the American Revolution (3 hrs.)
HIS 329: Modern Germany 1870-Present (3 hrs.)
HIS 340: Europe Since 1914 (3 hrs.)
HIS 341: The French Revolution (3 hrs.)
HIS 342: Europe, 1789-1914 (3 hrs.)
HIS 343: The Enlightenment (3 hrs.)
HIS 345: The History of England I (3 hrs.)
HIS 346: The History of England II (3 hrs.)
HIS 375: The Holocaust (3 hrs.)
HIS 382: European Women, Gender, and Sexuality Since 1600 (3 hrs.)
HIS 383: Sports, Play, and Games in History (3 hrs.)
HIS 384: Environmental History (3 hrs.)
HIS 385: Science, Technology, and Society (3 hrs.)

United States Courses (choose two) – 6 hrs.

HIS 201: Violence, Crime, and Punishment in U.S. History (3 hrs.)
HIS 300 The United States Since 1945 (3 hrs.)
HIS 301: Topics in American History: Intellectual (3 hrs.)
HIS 302: Topics in American History: Diplomatic (3 hrs.)
HIS 303: American Urban History (3 hrs.)
HIS 304: Women in American History (3 hrs.)
HIS 305: American Indian History (3 hrs.)
HIS 306: The United States Civil War Era (3 hrs.)
HIS 307: History of the Early American Republic (3 hrs.)
HIS 308: Topics in American History: Political (3 hrs.)
HIS 309: The History of U.S. Law Enforcement (3 hrs.)
HIS 310: America and Vietnam 1940-Present (3 hrs.)
HIS 311: History of American Political Economy (3 hrs.)
HIS 315: U.S. Social Movements (3 hrs.)
HIS 316: African American History Since 1877 (3 hrs.)
HIS 317: American Masculinities (3 hrs.)
HIS 326: Modern Military Forces and Institutions (3 hrs.)
HIS 383: Sports, Play, and Games in History (3 hrs.)
HIS 384: Environmental History (3 hrs.)
HIS 385: Science, Technology, and Society (3 hrs.)

Degree Concentrations

Take your career any way you want! Explore the different degree concentrations we offer and personalize your education.

Difference, Identity, and Power

The Difference, Identity, and Power concentration explores the complex interplay of cultural diversity, social identities, and systems of power throughout history, with a focus on the experiences of marginalized communities. Through coursework in the History of Gender and Sexuality and the History of Race and Ethnicity, students gain critical skills in research, communication, and cultural analysis—preparing them to thrive in diverse environments and advocate for a more just and inclusive world.

This concentration also connects with interdisciplinary minors such as Asian Studies, African American Studies, Latin American Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies.

Digital Humanities and Public History

The Digital Humanities and Public History concentration bridges technology and historical scholarship, equipping students to make the past accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. By combining research, storytelling, and digital tools—from programming and interactive media to archival preservation—students gain hands-on experience in collaborative, community-centered projects.

This interdisciplinary program prepares graduates to amplify marginalized voices, preserve cultural heritage, and thrive in careers where critical thinking, digital fluency, and historical insight intersect to shape a more inclusive future.

Career Opportunities

A history degree opens doors to a wide range of careers by equipping you with critical thinking, research, and communication skills. Whether you’re drawn to education, public service, or the private sector, your ability to analyze the past and understand complex systems will prepare you for success in fields such as:

Education
Business
Law
Law enforcement
Academia
Politics
Government
Intelligence
Foreign Service
Non-profits
Museums
Arts and cultural institutions
Ministry

Minors

History

Explore the past to better understand the present! This minor covers U.S., European, and global history, preparing you for careers in law, business, government, or museum work. It’s also great for grad school prep!

Women and Gender Studies

Examine how gender shapes society, culture, and identity. This interdisciplinary minor dives into gender roles, intersectionality, and social change, culminating in a research-focused capstone seminar.

African American Studies

Dive into the history, culture, and contributions of Black communities in the U.S. and beyond. This interdisciplinary minor explores politics, literature, social movements, and intellectual traditions, centering race alongside other identities like gender, class, and nationality.

Choose between a research-focused track or a hands-on community engagement path to connect your studies with real-world impact.

Asian Studies

Gain a global perspective with this interdisciplinary minor covering the history, politics, and cultures of East, South, and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Asian diaspora.

European Studies

Expand your global awareness by studying European history, culture, and politics. Perfect for students interested in international business, diplomacy, law, or the arts. Study abroad courses can count toward the minor!