B.S. in History

Illinois State University offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in History program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of historical events, cultures, and societies. This program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and historical analysis to prepare graduates for careers in education, public service, law, business, and more.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the B.S. in History at Illinois State University includes core courses covering a wide range of historical periods, regions, and themes. Students study topics such as American history, European history, world history, historical methods, and historiography. They also have opportunities to specialize in areas of interest through elective courses and research projects.

Research Focus: Illinois State University emphasizes research in history, encouraging students to engage in primary source analysis, historical interpretation, and scholarly writing. Research opportunities include independent study projects, thesis writing, and collaboration with faculty on research initiatives. Students develop critical research skills and contribute to historical scholarship through their academic pursuits.

Industry Engagement: The program fosters strong connections with historical societies, museums, archives, and cultural institutions. Students benefit from internships, practicums, and field experiences that provide hands-on learning in public history, archival work, and museum studies. Industry engagement prepares graduates for careers in public history, preservation, and heritage management.

Global Perspective: With a global perspective, Illinois State University's B.S. in History program explores historical events and processes from diverse cultural, social, and political perspectives. Students examine global interactions, transnational movements, and comparative histories to understand the interconnectedness of world civilizations and societies.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.

ISU offers several scholarships and financial aid options for international students to help them pursue their academic goals. These scholarships are based on academic achievements, leadership skills, and other criteria. 

International Tuition Waiver: International students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and show promise for contributing to the ISU community may be eligible for tuition waivers. These waivers can significantly reduce the cost of tuition.

Redbird Academic Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to incoming undergraduate international students who have outstanding academic records. The scholarship amount varies depending on the student's academic achievements.

Redbird International Ambassador Scholarship: This scholarship recognizes outstanding leadership skills and contributions to the international community. Recipients of this scholarship serve as ambassadors for international students at ISU.

College-Specific Scholarships: Various colleges within ISU offer scholarships for international students pursuing specific academic programs. These scholarships are often based on academic performance and potential for success in the chosen field of study.

Study Abroad Scholarships: ISU encourages international students to engage in study abroad programs to gain global experiences. The university offers scholarships to support international students' participation in these programs.

International students interested in applying for scholarships at ISU should review the specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines for each scholarship.

Graduates of Illinois State University's B.S. in History program possess valuable skills in research, critical thinking, analysis, and communication, preparing them for diverse career opportunities.

Historian: Graduates can pursue careers as historians, conducting research, analyzing historical documents, and writing scholarly articles and books. Historians work in academic settings, museums, archives, government agencies, and historical societies.

Archivist: Careers as archivists involve managing and preserving historical documents, photographs, and records in archives and special collections. Graduates organize collections, assist researchers, and ensure the preservation of cultural heritage.

Museum Curator: Roles as museum curators involve managing collections of artifacts and artworks, planning exhibitions, and conducting research on historical objects. Graduates work in museums, historical sites, and cultural institutions.

Educator: Graduates can pursue careers as educators, teaching history in secondary schools or community colleges. They develop curriculum, engage students in historical inquiry, and foster critical thinking about the past.

Writer or Editor: Careers as writers or editors involve creating content for historical publications, websites, or educational materials. Graduates may work as freelance writers, contributing to history magazines, textbooks, or online platforms.

Historical Consultant: Graduates with specialized knowledge can work as historical consultants for businesses, government agencies, or media productions. They provide expertise on historical accuracy, cultural context, and heritage preservation.

Public Historian: Roles as public historians involve engaging with broader audiences through exhibits, public programs, and digital media. Graduates work in public history organizations, historic preservation offices, and cultural heritage institutions.

Policy Analyst: Graduates may pursue careers as policy analysts, applying historical knowledge to analyze policy issues, advocate for preservation efforts, or inform public policy decisions related to heritage, education, or cultural affairs.

Librarian: Careers as librarians involve managing historical collections, assisting patrons with research inquiries, and promoting access to historical resources. Graduates work in academic libraries, special collections, or research institutions.

Researcher or Analyst: Graduates can work as researchers or analysts for research institutes, think tanks, or governmental agencies. They conduct historical research, analyze trends, and contribute to reports or policy briefs.