Degrees type: Bachelor
Main Campus
Mount Aloysius students majoring in history and political science have the unique opportunity to be introduced to both areas of study, progressing to upper division work, rather than narrowly focusing on only one area. This separates Mount Aloysius from other colleges.
Students studying History/Political Science at Mount Aloysius benefit from the support of engaged and accessible faculty, small class-sizes, and outstanding internships.
Program Highlights
Double focused major
Extensive Alumni network
Growing job market
Minor Available
- Historian
- Archivist
- Curator
- Museum worker
- Postsecondary teacher
- Legal
- Writer
- Editor
- Journalist
- Document Editor
- Lawyer
- Librarian
- Records managers
- Information managers
- Litigation support
- Legislative staff
- Corporate historian
- Contract historians
- Work with nonprofit associations
Coursework includes:
- HIST 101 – World Civilizations to 1500 3 Credits
- or
- HIST 102 – World Civilizations since 1500 3 Credits
- HIST 201 – American History to 1877 3 Credits
- HIST 202 – American History since 1877 3 Credits
- PLSC 203 – American National Government 3 Credits
- PLSC 211 – Comparative Politics 3 Credits
- PLSC 380 – The Western Political Tradition 3 Credits
- SOCI 305 – Introduction to Social-Scientific Research 3 Credits
This program offers a plethora of career paths, but if history is your chosen field, the demand for Historians is expected to rise 2% from 2014 to 2024, an increase of 100 jobs.*
The average median wage for a historian in the state of Pennsylvania is $57,860.*
Students who complete the major in History/Political Science will demonstrate:
- Historical/Political Literacy – Students will be able to distinguish between primary and secondary sources and explain how each is used to make or support a claim;
- Critical Thinking -Students will be able to articulate how questions can be viewed from different perspectives and evaluate competing interpretations that arise from these perspectives;
- Research Skills – Students will acquire basic historical and political science research skills, including finding relevant primary and secondary resources through the effective use of libraries, archives, databases and online materials and accurately interpret and document these materials;
- Communication Skills – Students will learn to organize and express their thoughts clearly and coherently both in writing and orally; and
- Documentation & Presentation – Students should demonstrate their mastery of the knowledge and skills involved in professional practice by documenting and evaluating arguments in a professional manner culminating in conceptualizing and executing a significant piece of original research.
Watch a video with Dr. Julie Smith, a professor in the history / political science department, talking about WWI.
Watch a video with Dr. Matt Arsenault, a professor in the history / political science department, discussing social research in combat zones.
Watch a video with Dr. Julie Smith, a professor in the history / political science department, talking about the causes of the great depression.
Watch a video with Dr. Matt Arsenault, a professor in the history / political science department, discussing the electoral college.
Watch a video about what to expect when visiting Mount Aloysius.
Watch this video featuring aerials views of Mount Aloysius College.
Student Voices & Success Stories
MacKenzie Horne, ‘15, ‘17 Duquesne University, is now an archaeologist with GAI Consultants.
Dillon Bender, ‘16, is a Rose-Hulman Sports Information Graduate Assistant at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
More Information
Optional Concentrations
- Pre-Law
Optional Specializations
- Social Studies Secondary Education Specialization
Faculty & Staff
Upcoming Admissions Events
Still have questions?
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Admissions Office
Main Administration Building
7373 Admiral Peary Highway
Cresson, PA 16630
(814) 886-6383
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