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.
100
First-Time Pass Rate
Sec. Ed. History (Citizenship)
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.
Download our History Fast Facts flyer
2024 Tutor of the Year - Erin McGee
The Student Success Center is proud to announce that this year’s Tutor of the Year is Erin McGee!
Erin McGee is a Junior from Peckville, PA, double majoring in History and Accounting.
Erin has been a peer tutor for nearly 2 years. Her longevity and the volume of courses that she has supported at Misericordia University demonstrates her willingness to give back and help others to be as successful as she is in and out the classroom. In addition to her full time schedule this semester, Erin is supporting 5 different courses in subjects ranging from History to Accounting and Business, and even Buddhist Philosophy (just for fun).
Outside of the SSC, Erin is a member of the Women’s Misericordia Softball Team, and she participated in last year’s NCAA Championship MAC 2022-2023 Team.
Good job, Erin – and keep up the great work!
(pictured: Erin & Dr. Albie Prado)
WVIA Pop Shop
Hosted by Allan Austin and Patrick Hamilton
New Episodes every Tuesday beginning September 10th
Two professors obsessing about everything popular culture.
Are you craving smart, fun, and sometimes irreverent conversations on the topics you love? Then you’re invited to check out WVIA's Pop Shop, a new WVIA podcast and radio show hosted by Alan Austin and Patrick Hamilton. Each week, we’ll talk about the biggest happenings on the scene, including movie premieres, new hit shows, toys, games, and so much more!
Dr. Jennifer Black, Associate Professor of History & Government at Misericordia University in Dallas, PA, speaking about her new study, "Branding Trust: Advertising and Trademarks in 19th- Century America"
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.
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
Community Realized
Rachel Shook '25
Rachel Shook '25
Ranging from personable professors to the variety of history courses offered, Misericordia's history department has created an environment where I can thrive in the classroom and beyond. The faculty has been incredibly supportive of my endeavors, and the sense of community within this department elevates my passion for both history and teaching.
Jack Regenye '25
Jack Regenye '25
My experience of being a History Secondary Education Major has been one of great challenges and growth. My knowledge of History has been tested and with that testing has really grown. The professors in the history department are amazing. They strive to educate as well as get to know their students; they want to see them succeed!
Erin McGee '25
Erin McGee '25
What really defines the department is the faculty. Through their dedication, I have been able to aid in research which has then gone on to appear in a published book, engage and publish research of my own through our summer fellow program, and dual major in accounting with the intent to continue my education in law.