History

History is a great major if you want to dedicate your life to transforming the world. At Mount Mary University, we are dedicated to helping you develop a world vision and explore not only the men of history, but women and underrepresented individuals throughout history.

Understand different cultures and people
As a history major, you’ll study different people, the way they see their world and interpretations of Western and non-Western societies from political, social and cultural perspectives. You’ll also learn to think critically and creatively, communicate persuasively, organize and assess evidence, analyze problems and interpret events.

As you look at the unfolding of the human story, you’ll learn to look at people within the context of their society and their world. You’ll grow as a historian by developing awareness, understanding and appreciation of the experiences and achievements of men and women and how these experiences have shaped the world we live in today.

Be part of a United Nations experience
Mount Mary offers a unique Model United Nations course every other year. In this class, you will learn about the United Nations by working with a faculty member and the School Sisters of Notre Dame nongovernmental organization in the fall semester. In the spring semester, you have the opportunity to travel to a United Nations conference and participate in conference work.

Study abroad and explore the world
Mount Mary encourages you to study abroad to learn more about other cultures and gain a global perspective. In the past, students have studied abroad in China, Germany, Japan and Korea. Study abroad opportunities are available for a summer, for a semester or during a school break.

Flexible Course Schedules to Meet Degree Requirements

Mount Mary offers a Bachelor of Arts in History degree. You can earn this degree by taking a combination of traditional courses on campus and online courses. Online courses offer flexibility to move through courses at your own pace during a 15-week period. Online courses include weekly contact with faculty and students through online chats.

History major

History majors are required to take a minimum of 32 credits in history. You also must complete the university’s core curriculum requirements. 

History Teacher Education
If you wish to become a history or social studies teacher, you will take courses in history and education. The curriculum prepares you to teach history or broad field social science for early adolescence/adolescence (approximately grades 6-12). For more information, see the history teacher education curriculum sheet. 

All history majors are required to complete a professional experience such as an internship or cooperative study project. History teacher education students are required to complete a student teaching experience.

Complete degree requirements and a listing of courses are available in the Undergraduate Bulletin (PDF).

History minor

A history minor is a great compliment to any major and requires a minimum of 18 credits. See the bulletin for more details on requirements and courses for this minor.

Political Science Minor

A political science minor prepares you to be a leader in civic life. The minor provides you fundamental knowledge of the political systems and knowledge about international relations, as well as helps you develop leadership skills. A political science minor requires a minimum of 18 credits. See the bulletin for more details on requirements and courses for this minor.

History Post-baccalaureate Certificate Program

A post-baccalaureate certificate in history is available to women who already hold an undergraduate degree, but seek further training. See more details on history certificate requirements. 

History students or alumnae also may be interested in Mount Mary’s peacebuilding certificate.

Faculty

The School of Arts and Sciences at Mount Mary is rich with talented faculty who care about their students.

Mount Mary University offers many student clubs and organizations for you to participate in, including two organizations specifically for history students.

History Club

This student organization is open to all students who have an interest in history. As a member, you’ll play an active role in determining the club’s activities and can participate in discussions and presentations. Meetings center on learning and enjoying new aspects of history while developing an appreciation for other people, times and places.

Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society

This is the national honor society for history students. The society’s mission is “to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians.” Phi Alpha Theta’s objectives are the promotion of high scholarship in history, leadership qualities, character and good campus citizenship.

To qualify for membership, you must have maintained a 3.1 average in history courses and a 3.0 in two-thirds of the remainder your coursework. You also must have completed 12 credits of history courses.

Contact our History faculty for more information.