The B.A. in History is a four-year, on-campus program that offers a comprehensive investigation into history and culture. It is particularly well-suited for students interested in teaching, law, public service, or pursuing further graduate studies. The program provides a broad foundation through survey courses in American, classical (Ancient Greece and Rome), and modern history, along with numerous elective offerings. The overarching goal is to prepare students to engage in informed dialogue with culture and to apply their understanding of the past to contemporary debates.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in History at William Jessup University is structured to provide a deep historical context. Core courses typically include American History, History and Archeology of Ancient Greece or Ancient Rome, History of Religion in America, and Twentieth Century History or California History. Students also have the opportunity to take additional history or Digital Humanities electives, allowing for some specialization. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, clear writing, and analytical skills through rigorous coursework and engagement with historical texts and interpretations.
Research Focus: While an undergraduate program, the B.A. in History at Jessup University fosters a strong research-oriented approach. Students are encouraged to engage in primary source analysis and undertake independent research projects under the supervision of experienced faculty members, such as Dr. Julius Gurney and Dr. Richard Ravalli. The program's integration with the Digital Humanities minor highlights a forward-thinking research focus, enabling students to utilize cutting-edge tools in AI, machine learning, and data science to analyze historical texts and uncover patterns in vast volumes of data. This equips students with modern research methodologies and an ability to critically assess diverse historical perspectives.
Industry Engagement: William Jessup University is dedicated to ensuring its History graduates are well-prepared for professional life. The university emphasizes the development of highly transferable skills such as research, critical thinking, and communication, which are highly valued across various industries. While specific "industry partnerships" in the traditional sense might be less prevalent than in professional schools, the program's faculty, who are often accomplished professionals and published researchers, bring real-world context into the classroom. The university's Career Services office actively supports students with career counseling, occupational exploration, and preparation for internships and job searches, helping history majors identify and secure opportunities where their unique skill set is needed.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in History program at William Jessup University inherently embraces a global perspective by exploring diverse historical periods, regions, and cultures, including ancient civilizations (Greece, Rome) and American history within a broader context. The curriculum encourages students to assess how diverse cultural, religious, and philosophical perspectives have shaped past events and continue to influence current global debates. The university's commitment to intellectual curiosity and its broader aim to equip students to "redeem world culture" through empathy and innovation reinforce this global outlook. By studying the complexities of the past, graduates are better prepared to understand and engage with the interconnectedness of the modern world.
