History

Does your worldview need greater depth and context? Studying history will help you to understand the ideas, people and problems that have shaped the world we live in. Looking to the past for guidance, you’ll find that history has a lot to tell us about the present. At Gordon, the study of history is integrated with philosophy and political science for a rich, multifaceted experience of tracing the trajectories of past civilizations while contextualizing the “big questions” of today.

History is a major and minor within the Political Science, History and Philosophy Department.

Why study history at Gordon?

Boston's historic North Shore in the heart of New England offers extraordinary beyond-the-classroom learning opportunities—historical sites, libraries, museums and more. You’ll explore the history of intellectual thought, infused with philosophy and political science, and have time to concentrate on the parts of history that interest you most. Reflections from recent writers ➔

What careers can I pursue by studying history?

History students learn to do research thoroughly, think critically, and write effectively. Many pursue graduate work in a variety of professional and academic fields. From a preservationist at a museum to a public official, history helps give the depth needed to do any job well, including:

• Museum administrator
• Lawyer
• Teacher or professor
• Clergy
• Librarian
• Think tank researcher
• Archivist
• Journalist

Learn more about jobs and internships ➔

A combination of specific coursework in history, political science and philosophy set you on the trajectory for earning a Massachusetts teaching license in history and social science (grades 5–12). Upon completion of undergraduate study in one of these areas, qualified students can make a seamless transition into the one-year Gordon graduate education program that leads to Massachusetts licensure and completion of a professional master’s degree.

Go the extra mile!

Many history students take advantage of the plethora of resources on the North Shore and in Boston and work closely with museums and preservation societies. You could coordinate a trip to a historical site or volunteer as a docent. Some students home in on their interests and prepare for graduate school by writing an honors thesis, working closely with a faculty member. Another honors option is the Jerusalem and Athens Forum, a chance to study great historical texts alongside students majoring in other fields.

Global Opportunities

History students are encouraged to spend a semester studying in places that most interest them, from D.C. to the Middle East. Each off-campus program offers a different perspective and focus.

• Balkans Semester for Study of War and Peace (Zagreb, Croatia)
• Middle East Studies Program (Jordan)
• Gordon in Orvieto (Italy)
• Scholar’s Semester in Oxford (England)
• Jerusalem University College (Israel)