History
History majors at Misericordia University gain excellent training in the liberal arts, and have several professional specializations available to them.
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.
Faculty in the History & Government Department have recently had their work featured on The Academic Minute
Chinese Cultural Diplomacy in the United States, 1875-1974
Find out more about how cultural diplomacy helped China get on track to become a major world player again. Dr. Yanqui Zheng, professor of history and government, delivered a 2 1/2 minute podcast entitled "Chinese Cultural Diplomacy in the United States, 1875-1974" on The Academic Minute, looking into the history of two distinctive Chinese pedagogies.
The Secret History of Race and Comics
What do superheroes show us about ourselves?
This is the question that Dr. Patrick Hamilton, professor and chair of English, explored during his 2 1/2 minute podcast on The Academic Minute. The podcast, "The Secret History of Race and Comics," draws upon the book he and Dr. Allan Austin of MU's History & Government department co-wrote.
The Academic Minute features researchers from colleges and universities around the world, keeping listeners abreast of what's new and exciting in the academy and of all the ways academic research contributes to solving the world's toughest problems and to serving the public good.
Dream Big, Act Local
Hear from History alumni within this 3-part video series entitled "Q&A with B&A"
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 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, 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.
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 Specialization)
Minor Options
4+1 History BA/MBA
4+1 History BA/MBA
Why wait to begin the MBA program when you can get started as an undergraduate student?
Specializations:
Healthcare Management, Human Resources Management, Management, or Sport Management
Find out more by emailing Karen Cefalo at
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.
Student Testimonial
Antonio Whyte
The 4+1 program is a great opportunity to challenge yourself during the end of your undergraduate journey and get a third of your MBA completed at rates that save you money.
Career Preparation
Valuable Professional Skills
We offer a wide range of professional opportunities designed to give Misericordia graduates an edge as they enter the job market. These include:
- Faculty-directed research
- Internships
- Study-abroad programs
- Summer research fellowships
- Semester-Away at American University (Washington, DC)
- Networking opportunities with regional and local institutions, through volunteer and service-learning programs
Our majors have gone on to pursue graduate degrees in law, history, political science, library science, and medicine; they have become teachers and museum educators; they have risen to leadership positions in their local communities and governments; they have embarked on careers in business; and they have worked for government agencies in Washington, DC.
Careers in History
Students who study History at Misericordia may enter a wide range of careers, including:
- Business and non-profit sector jobs, especially through our History for Business, Public History, and 4+1 MBA / MS-OM programs
- Librarianships at research, public, and governmental libraries
- Law School and Medical School
- Teachers and Professors at schools, colleges, and universities
- Local government
- Historical preservation firms
- Corporate archives and record keeping
- Editors and publishing
- Grant-writing for non-profit organizations
- Professional writers and journalists
- Museum work, including exhibition preparation and curation, education, development, and public outreach
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.
Student Opportunities and Activities
- Faculty-Directed Research
- Semester in Washington DC
- Study Abroad/Away
- Internships
- Special Projects
- Speakers and Master Classes
- Service-Learning
- Trips
- Phi Alpha Theta
- Student Clubs
- Scholarships