History (BA)

Why study History?

We live in a time of profound change. Peoples, politics, economies, and ecosystems are becoming increasingly interdependent, bringing wrenching challenges as well as new opportunities. There is no better way to prepare to navigate such a world than to understand how people have adapted to change, taken advantage of it, and made it happen. That is what history students do.

History is not the past. It is the meaning we make of the past in the present. History students ask where we come from, how we got here, and where we are headed, drawing on the archive of yesterday to understand how to live today and how to prepare for tomorrow.

Students who major in History develop the writing, speaking, research, and critical thinking skills that make them highly employable in a wide range of exciting careers.

Why study History at AU?

The Aurora University History major is defined not only by learning about history, but by doing it. Our students become historians through an intensive curriculum that develops essential historical knowledge and cultural awareness, while constantly sharpening the communication and research skills that are indispensable to so many careers.

Our courses are stimulating and vital, covering not only essentials such as World and American history, but also such fascinating topics as African-American History, Russian History, the Middle East, Black Chicago, Global Environmental History, and many others. Regardless of the course, the focus is always on questions. History is not about memorization. It is about understanding, interpretation, discussion, and making meaning.

At AU, we are particularly proud of the intensive mentoring we offer each student in the History program. Mark Soderstrom, associate professor of history

History faculty work hard to know each student and work with them to identify and prepare for their chosen career or graduate study.

Crucial to this process is a unique three-course sequence at the core of the History curriculum. Few History programs have anything like it, particularly in its sustained focus on building writing, speaking, critical thinking, and research skills. It begins during a student’s first year and culminates in a Senior Seminar Capstone research project—an impressive piece of work that makes for an ideal showcase of a student’s work for prospective employers and graduate schools.

Working closely with our students not only enables us to tailor the program to their needs, but helps them to discover their passions and pursue the careers they find most meaningful. Few majors are as flexible as History, both in the ways in which students can customize their course plans, and in the variety of fields for which they are prepared to enter upon graduation.

The careers open to History majors are diverse and exciting, from those in government, museums, archives, and journalism, to those in business, insurance, and tourism, among many others. History pairs well with many other majors, including Political Science and Public Policy, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Communication, to name a few. Students interested in working in museums are encouraged to pursue the Museum Studies minor. Even with a second major, you’ll still be able to graduate in four years.

Students who plan to teach complete the supplemental Secondary Education major. This program, which brings together coursework in History, the Social Sciences, and Education, equips students to teach History and Social Studies courses at American middle and high schools. The program provides an immersive experience for AU students in area schools to sharpen their teaching skills and network with future colleagues in the education world.

My writing has improved 10-fold, and I am much more well-read. When I say something now, I can say it with conviction. Shawn Loomis '20
In Our Own Words

In Our Own Words: Professor of History Jerry Butters on how critical thinking is the foundation of career success

As a history major, you learn how to write, how to think, and how to discuss issues in a critical manner—and that will help you in any profession.

$62,360

2022 annual median salary for high school history teachers

67,100

2022-2032 job openings projected each year

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • Curriculum highlights

    • Intensive one-on-one mentoring with faculty
    • Internships and independent research
    • Immersive placement program in local schools for prospective teachers
    • Senior Seminar capstone research project
    • Special topics courses
    • Three-course methods sequence focused on building essential skills
    • Topical courses on U.S. and world history
  • Campus opportunities

    • Educators Rising
    • History Club
    • Pre-Law Club
  • Where our recent graduates pursue advanced degrees

    • Bristol University, UK
    • Cambridge University, UK
    • Chicago-Kent College of Law
    • Dallas Theological Seminary
    • Georgetown University
    • Illinois State University
    • Indiana University
    • Loyola University
    • Northern Illinois University
    • Ohio State University
    • Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
    • University of Birmingham, UK
Experiential learning

Experiential learning

AU students dig into history on campus and at local organizations. AU houses the Schingoethe Center galleries, the Jenks Collection of Adventual Materials, and the Doris K. Colby Memorial Archives, all of which provide hands-on experience for students interested in museum studies, archival work, and research. As a History major, you can pursue an internship related to your career goals, as well as travel to local and national historic sites with faculty and fellow students. These experiences not only broaden your horizon, but prepare you to enter the workforce in a wide range of industries or move on to graduate study.

Career possibilities

  • Archivist
  • Congressional aide
  • Consumer advocate
  • Customer service representative
  • Demographer
  • FBI/CIA agent
  • Foreign service officer
  • Genealogist
  • Historic preservationist
  • History teacher
  • Journalist
  • Museum curator
  • Peace Corps volunteer
  • Research assistant
  • Travel agent

Where our recent graduates work

As teachers:

  • Burlington Central High School
  • Carl Sandburg Middle School
  • DeKalb High School
  • East Aurora High School
  • Geneva High School
  • Galapagos Charter School
  • Hereford High School
  • Rantoul High School
  • Reed-Custer High School
  • Serena High School
  • West Aurora High School
  • Yorkville High School

In museums and archives:

  • Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts
  • Grand Army of the Republic Museum
  • Schingoethe Museum
  • Southampton History Museum

At businesses and foundations:

  • ALE Solutions
  • Becker Logistics
  • Gallagher Bassett
  • Illinois Student Assistance Commission
  • JP Morgan Chase
  • Turning Point Autism Foundation
  • United Leukodystrophy Foundation
  • Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare
  • Wheaton Title Company