Bachelor of Arts (BA) Major in History

Explore Your Future by Understanding the Past


If you're looking for a history degree in PA, Gwynedd Mercy University is a great option. When you join our history department, you'll be rooted in the past while looking forward into the future.  Our bachelor of arts (BA) degree in History focuses on interactive courses and learning experiences, where you'll become fluent in global political and social developments, develop your research abilities, perform original scholarship, and prepare yourself for graduate education or career opportunities.

Degree Options

Secondary Education Certification

Earn a Bachelor of Arts in History with Teacher Certification

If you want to teach social studies in a secondary school setting, you can earn your secondary education certification or your grades 7-12 special education certification through Gwynedd Mercy University's School of Education. When you choose this option, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts in History combined with a secondary teaching certification.

*Certification: This program was designed to meet the certification requirements of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. If you reside in a different state, you should carefully review your home state’s certification requirements prior to enrolling in this program.

Pre-Law Option

Earn a History Degree With a Pre-Law Option

If you want to pursue a career in law, add pre-law coursework to your history education. When you choose this option, you can earn a BA in History while preparing yourself for graduate work in law.

The GMercyU Difference

Gwynedd Mercy University offers an impressive mix of top-notch liberal arts education and real-world experience, making it a top history school in PA.  Here you'll find ample opportunity to hone your skills, develop a career path, and map out your future while gaining real-world experience through our history program.  As a GMercyU history major, you can:

  • Earn hands-on experience through internship placements at historical societies, archives, and sites throughout Pennsylvania
  • Perform original research at area archives
  • Present your work at an academic conference
  • Learn to educate others. By completing our secondary education certification, you'll earn both a degree in history and a certification to teach social studies at a secondary level.
  • Prepare for a career in law. When you pursue our pre-law option, you'll earn a bachelor's in history and prepare yourself for specialized work in law at the same time.

Our full-time faculty members hold doctoral degrees and are known for their academic expertise. Our part-time history faculty members also hold advanced degrees and possess a range of specialties in the field. 

Thanks to a multidisciplinary background in arts, sciences, and humanities along with their particular understanding of history, GMercyU's history major graduates go on to pursue careers in law, education, politics, media, management, and more.

Undergraduate Minors 

Increase the value of your BA in History degree by adding an undergraduate minor. GMercyU offers a wide variety of minors so you can choose the one that best meets your personal and professional goals.
 

Curriculum

In addition to general education requirements, our BA in History degree students will complete the following courses:

Major Requirements – 33 Credits

HIS 107  World History I
HIS 109 World History II
HIS 131 American Civilization to 1877
HIS 132 American Civilization from 1877
HIS 449 Historiography
HIS 4000 Capstone Seminar
HIS History Elective (5)

Secondary Education Certification Options – 42 Credits

EDU 100 Education in America
EDU 222 Adolescent Psychology
EDU 300 Pre-Student Teaching 
EDU 301 Educational Psychology
EDU 319 Selected Topics in Secondary Education
EDU 325 Secondary School Methods and Materials 
EDU 351 Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners
EDU 490 Student Teaching and Professional Seminar Secondary Education – 12 Credits
SPE 215 Exceptional Person for Secondary Students
SPE 231 Mild/Moderate Disabilities in the Inclusionary Setting
SPE 331 Implementing Inclusionary Practices for Mild/Moderate Population

Pre-Law Option – 27 Credits 

See the undergraduate catalog (PDF) for more information and course descriptions.

 

Internship Opportunities

You'll have ample opportunity to develop your research skills as a history major through a 3-credit internship. As a senior, you can intern with local historical societies, archives, museums, or other sites, such as the Morgan Log House in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. If you opt for secondary certification in social studies, you can pre-teach or student-teach in local secondary schools.

Transfer Opportunities

If you've already earned college-level credits at other accredited institutions, you can transfer them to Gwynedd Mercy University. Submit your transcript and course description to the Registrar, who will determine whether these credits count towards those required for graduation.  For more information, visit our Transfer Credits page.

In addition, we have articulation agreements with two area community colleges.

Delaware County Community College
AA history to BA history 

Manor College
AA liberal arts to BA history 

Our Outstanding Faculty

View all Faculty

Career Outcomes

As a top history school in PA, Gwynedd Mercy University will guide you to the future you envision. A bachelor's degree in History will prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities and graduate study.

Possible careers for history majors

•    Anthropologist
•    Archeologist
•    Archivist
•    Biographer
•    Clergy
•    Community Relations Director
•    Congressional Aide
•    Consumer Advocate
•    Demographer
•    FBI/CIA Agent
•    Foreign News Correspondent
•    Foreign Service Officer
•    Genealogist
•    Government Official
•    Historian
•    Historic Preservation Specialist
•    Historic Site Tour Guide
•    Historical Society Staff Member
•    Intelligence Analyst
•    International Relations Specialist
•    Journalist
•    Judge
•    Lawyer

•    Lecturer
•    Legal Assistant/Paralegal
•    Librarian
•    Lobbyist
•    Market Research Analyst
•    Media Consultant
•    Museum Curator
•    Museum Technicians & Specialist
•    Newspaper Reporter
•    Paralegal Assistant
•    Park Ranger
•    Peace Corps/Vista Worker
•    Political Scientist
•    Public Administrator
•    Public Relations Specialist
•    Research Assistant
•    Research Library Assistant
•    Teacher, Social Studies
•    Travel Agent
•    Urban Administrator
•    Urban Planner
•    Writer/Author
* Some of these careers may involve acquiring additional education.
* This is only a partial list and not meant to limit you.

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