Academic Program in History
Program Requirements
Overview
Our students study a broad range of historical viewpoints and events, problems and approaches to the societal, cultural, political, intellectual, economic, and global challenges and developments. Rigorous coursework coupled with a research component helps our students gain deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
The study of history informs majors and non-majors alike about how to make sense of the world by comprehending how the past influences the present and how the past can shape the future.
Off-campus programs enrich the educational experience as students can study abroad, pursue an internship with a local historical society, archive, or museum, go after a media-sponsored fellowship, or participate in community service endeavors. In consultation with their advisors, history majors develop a balanced program of historical study encompassing a concentration in a geographic, chronological, or thematic category.
History majors complete Oberlin with highly developed skills in writing, research, and presentation; data collection and analysis; and critical thinking and problem solving.
While some Oberlin graduates become historians or archivists, many more have careers in diverse areas including public policy, musicology, foreign service, law, education, documentary filmmaking, publishing, or community health advocacy.