The B.A. in History at New England College is a four-year, 120-credit program that aims to provide students with a broad foundation in historical knowledge, encompassing the United States, Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia, from ancient to contemporary periods. The program's philosophy centers on active engagement with historical sources and methodologies. Students learn to assess evidence, construct coherent arguments, and develop an understanding of the forces that have shaped world societies. The program prepares students for careers in diverse fields such as education, law, government, archives, museums, and journalism, as well as for further graduate study.
Curriculum: The 120-credit B.A. in History curriculum at NEC includes a significant number of credits dedicated to the History major, complemented by a liberal arts and sciences core curriculum and general electives. Core history courses typically include foundational surveys of world history (e.g., "The Ancient World," "The Modern World") and U.S. history (e.g., "U.S. History to 1877," "U.S. History since 1877"). A crucial component is "Historical Methods," which teaches students the methodologies and theories underpinning contemporary historical scholarship. Students also engage in "Seminar in American History," "Seminar in European History," or "Seminar in Global History" in their upper divisions. Extensive history electives allow for specialization in various periods, regions, and thematic areas (e.g., "Colonial America," "Slavery in New England," "The Middle Ages," "Golden Age of Piracy"). The program culminates with a multi-part "Senior Thesis" (Senior Thesis I, II, III).
Research Focus: The B.A. in History at New England College places a strong emphasis on developing students' research capabilities, culminating in a multi-part Senior Thesis. The program's core philosophy is about "doing history," which involves learning to "assess past evidence and conflicting interpretations about the past." Students are taught "important methodologies and theories of history" in courses like "Historical Methods" and are encouraged to "combine different kinds of evidence to make coherent arguments." Faculty members are active researchers and scholars with diverse interests, including American, British, Native American, African American history, and the histories of capitalism, religion, and slavery, which inform classroom discussions and potential student research topics. This robust focus ensures graduates possess strong analytical and research skills.
Industry Engagement: New England College's B.A. in History program emphasizes practical application and industry engagement through various avenues. The program highlights "ample opportunities" for majors to pursue internships with diverse organizations, archives, libraries, and government offices. Past student placements have included institutions like the U.S. Embassy in Australia, National Constitution Center, Springfield Armory, and the Newport Historical Society. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their historical knowledge and research skills in professional settings and build valuable networks. Faculty members, who are active researchers, also bring their interests in archival research, oral history, and public history into the classroom, connecting academic study with real-world historical work.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in History at New England College integrates a strong global perspective throughout its curriculum. The program's course offerings explicitly include the history of "the United States, Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia, from the ancient to the contemporary world." Intermediate and advanced courses consider these regions within specific frameworks of historical understanding, exploring issues of "class, gender, ethnicity, race, culture, society, religion, art, architecture, politics, technology, war, and more," which inherently demand a global outlook. The "Seminar in Global History" further reinforces this. Furthermore, the program encourages students to "become a global citizen" and offers study abroad opportunities, emphasizing the importance of understanding world cultures and histories in today's interconnected workforce.
