History
History majors at Misericordia University gain excellent training in the liberal arts, and have several professional specializations available to them.
The mission of the History Department is to reflect and reinforce the disciplinary standards set by the American Historical Association by providing History majors opportunities to develop historical knowledge and the skills necessary to evaluate, interpret, and argue historical and diverse perspectives in order to inform active citizenship.
Majors are trained to evaluate evidence and communicate persuasively, both verbally and through effective writing. Our courses are intellectually stimulating, and can include experiential learning experiences or professional opportunities.
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In the History program, we understand the importance of training students to become better global citizens. Our courses are designed to give students a deeper understanding of the past and contemporary society by examining the workings of government, the implications of public and foreign policy decisions, and how each of these have influenced social, cultural, and political experiences of individuals. Our faculty come highly-trained from some of the top research universities in the country, and we take an active role in mentoring undergraduates and encourage them to become leaders in their communities. Students in our programs graduate having honed their critical research and writing skills, and are well-prepared to pursue careers in museums, government agencies, the legal profession, non-profit administration and management, journalism, libraries, education, and a host of other professional paths.
The History major at Misericordia University is based on the disciplinary standards set by the American Historical Association, which states that:
“History is the study of the human past as it is constructed and interpreted with human artifacts, written evidence, and oral traditions. It requires empathy for historical actors, respect for interpretive debate, and the skillful use of an evolving set of practices and tools ..."
The Secondary Education Program in Citizenship is designed to prepare students to become secondary school social studies teachers, including equipping them with the skills to identify and assist students with learning disabilities. The emphasis is on history, along with a number of courses in political science, geography, sociology, anthropology, and economics.
Fully approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, this program leads to a teaching certificate valid in Pennsylvania (grades 7–12) and transferable to many other states.
The specialization in History and Media combines a strong preparation in historical methodologies, research, and writing with courses in Mass Communications and Design. A true interdisciplinary major, this specialization cultivates historical thinking and prepares students for a variety of careers related to media, such as public relations. From these courses centered on media design and evaluation, students further develop strong written and verbal communication skills while gaining professional-level training across media platforms and building aesthetic awareness and creativity.
The specialization in History for Business gives students a foundational understanding of business principles—including economics, marketing, management, and accounting—while concentrating their study on historical methodologies, research, and writing. Students in this specialization benefit from an interdisciplinary training designed to develop students’ awareness of ethical and social issues related to society and the business world in particular; cultivate a critical understanding of the past and its impact on the present; develop and enhance students’ research and writing skills; and prepare students for a variety of careers in the business field.
Students have the option to complete the BA in History prior to entering the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
The Pre-Law specialization was developed in accordance with the Association of American Law Schools, which recommends that prospective law students have a broad liberal arts background. The program provides sound preparation for the Law School Admission Test and the graduate study of law.
The specialization in Public History & Museum Studies immerses students in service-oriented study to foster independent thinking, develop strong communities, cultivate informed decisions, and inspire leadership. The program provides a firm foundation in the methods and practice of Public History and Museum Studies, preparing students for diverse career paths, including museums; archives; non-profit agencies at the local, regional and national levels; libraries; historic preservation firms; and other like institutions; as well as graduate study in law, libraries/archives, non-profit management, and the humanities.
The 4+1 History BA and MBA program offers students interested in history and business a useful foundation for a variety of professional paths. The program introduces students to the study of history and the practice of business, providing an interdisciplinary basis for successful citizenship and entrepreneurship over a five-year course of study.
Program Options
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- B.A. History
- B.A. History (Citizenship Secondary Education Certification)
- B.A. History (History and Media Specialization)
- B.A. History (History for Business Specialization)
- B.A. History (Pre-DPT Specialization)
- B.A. History (Pre-Law Specialization)
- B.A. History (Public History & Museum Studies Specialization)
- 4+1 History B.A./MBA
Minor Programs
The History Department at Misericordia University offers four minors for students to further specialize and enhance their education regardless of their major.
History Minor
History Minor
The history minor may be taken in conjunction with any degree program to broaden one’s perspective, develop critical judgement, cultivate the ability to reason, and foster intellectual growth.
Political Science Minor
Political Science Minor
The political science minor offers students interested in law, politics, or government a useful foundation in these areas.
Public History Minor
Public History Minor
The public history minor offers students interested in non-profit agencies and historical work outside higher education a useful foundation for a variety of professional paths.
Social Studies Minor
Social Studies Minor
The minor in social studies is intended to enrich and broaden the student’s understanding of the world in which we live.
Career Preparation
Valuable Professional Skills
We offer a wide range of professional opportunities designed to prepare students for a diverse variety of future careers.
Opportunities & Activities
Student Opportunities & Activities
Check out all of the ways that the History program at Misericordia will keep you engaged and offer hands-on opportunities for you to become career-ready.
Explore Your Future
It Starts At The Arch
Briana Scorey '19
Briana Scorey '19
I have developed incredible relationships with professors who care about me and support me as both a student and a person. As an officer of the History Club and member of the Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society [History's honor society], I am able to pursue my love of history outside the classroom and build a repertoire of experience that will help me in graduate school.
Amber Kelley '18
Amber Kelley '18
Throughout my four years at Misericordia University, I met incredible professors in the History department who wanted to see me succeed and achieve my career goals. With their encouragement, I have pursued many opportunities that have given me the experience needed to achieve my goal.
Cassandra Lockhart
Cassandra Lockhart
It was Misericordia’s wonderful history faculty and captivating history classes that showed me that my true path in life is history. Switching my degree to history my Sophomore year of college was the best decision of my life.