History Major

Majoring in history at Cedar Crest College will prepare you for many exciting career fields, including historic preservation and restoration, education, government, law, communications, the social services, business, and much more.

Learn more about history-related careers »

About the Program

Our history major program conforms to the recommendations of the American Historical Association in its report on “Liberal Learning and the History Major” and of the American Association of Colleges and Universities’ “Statement on Liberal Learning.” During your studies here, you will:

• Begin with a foundation of core courses in American and European history
• Proceed through a sequence of thematic and topical courses at an advanced level
• Refine your skills in critical thinking, research, and oral and written expression

Customize Your Degree

The history program at Cedar Crest is designed to be tailored to meet each student’s career goals. During your studies, you will select one of the following concentrations in history. This will allow you to develop a level of depth in a particular aspect of history.

American History Concentration
Here, you will study American history from the Colonial period through the 21st century. You may also take courses on American cultural traditions or the African-American liberation struggle, and you will explore the topics of liberal democracy, capitalism, dictatorships and America as a world power.

European and World History Concentration
This concentration includes courses that focus on the history of specific countries such as Germany, Soviet and Post-Soviet Russia, China and Japan. It also explores the topics of liberal democracy, capitalism, dictatorships and America as a world power.

Self-Designed Concentration
Though most history majors are expected to select one of the above concentrations, you may instead work with your faculty adviser to create a concentration that combines elements of the two, based on your future academic or career aspirations. You must submit a sound rationale for pursuing this route, and you must gain departmental approval before beginning this concentration.

For Secondary Education Students

Students also seeking a co-major in secondary education must consult the education department and plan a program before registering for the sophomore year.