圣心大學

What will I study?

The History major introduces the student to a broad array of knowledge about humankind since the onset of civilization. Courses are offered in U.S., Latin American, European, Asian, Ancient, and Middle Eastern History. The major focuses on reading and interpreting primary sources to gain a first-hand experience and understanding of the context and meaning of events for those who lived in the past. Understanding the past is essential to understand the present and predicting the future.

Research papers, seminars, exams, and projects hone the skills necessary for an historian, and these same skills are necessary in many other fields, especially government and law, all fields of teaching, any projects requiring the collection, interpretation and analysis of data, and many corporate positions. The Senior capstone projects, including a choice of either an individualized Senior Thesis or Senior Seminar, help students demonstrate their mastery of analytical and expressive skills. The study of history is also essential to learn more about the great diversity of cultures in the past and in the contemporary world.

Students have the advantage of small class sizes, with introductory classes under 30 students and most elective History courses under 20 students. This gives you the ability to work closely with your professors and get the most out of your courses.

Will I have internship opportunities?

Yes, several well organized local-town historical societies offer internships with a variety of duties and projects. The Department of History assists students in attaining these desirable internships. Students in the history program have previously interned at the following locations: Fairfield Museum and Historical Society, Stamford Historical Society, Greenwich Historical Society, Connecticut Irish Historical Society (New Haven) and Barnum Museum (Bridgeport).

Aside from interning, student tutoring is available to upper level history majors. Well before their senior year when many students choose to follow the certificate in education and participate in a full semester of student teaching, students may elect in certain history courses to become involved in sharing their historical knowledge with primary and secondary students. Sacred Heart University has a special connection to Winthrop School in Bridgeport, where approximately 200 University students participate in various programs. Student tutoring is run through the Service Learning program at SHU.

Will I have research opportunities?

Yes, research opportunities include, but are not limited to: summer stipends for research, senior capstones that grant 6 credits for well-developed projects, work study's often assist faculty on research projects and internships.

What are my career options with a History degree?

A large number of our alumni have been hired by school districts throughout New England, New York and New Jersey to be Social Science teachers. Aside from teaching, other careers our alumni have pursued have been for the government, corporations for management and finance, banks, legal firms and paralegals.