B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in History
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in History at Whittier College provides a comprehensive and globally-oriented exploration of historical events, ideas, and movements. The program is designed to develop students' abilities to think critically, analyze complex information, construct well-reasoned arguments, and communicate effectively through writing and oral presentations. It moves beyond rote memorization, encouraging students to understand historical contexts and their relevance to contemporary issues. The curriculum is structured to ensure both breadth across different geographical areas and historical periods, and depth in a chosen area of specialization.
Curriculum: The History curriculum is built on a foundation of world and U.S. history. Required foundational courses typically include Introduction to World History (HIST 101), The U.S. to 1865 (HIST 206), and The U.S. Since 1865 (HIST 207), along with an additional 200-level course. Students then delve into theory and methods through courses like History and Theory (HIST 280) and Historical Methods (HIST 380), which are crucial for developing research and analytical skills. A key component is the requirement for "depth" with three 300-level courses in one specific world area (Asia, Europe, Latin America, or United States), allowing for specialized knowledge. Additionally, "breadth" is achieved through one course in three other world areas (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, or United States) at the 200- or 300-level. The major culminates with a Capstone Seminar (HIST 480), where students engage in significant independent research.
Research Focus: Research is a cornerstone of the History program at Whittier College. The curriculum is designed to progressively build students' research capabilities, culminating in the required Senior Capstone Seminar (HIST 480). In this seminar, students conduct in-depth original research, applying historical methodologies to analyze primary and secondary sources and construct their own historical arguments. Students have ample opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research projects, and many present their findings at the annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) conference, or even at regional and national academic conferences. Examples include student research involving oral histories of labor movements, demonstrating a commitment to hands-on, impactful historical inquiry.
Industry Engagement: While a History degree is a classic liberal art, Whittier College actively ensures its B.A. in History graduates are prepared for diverse professional fields by cultivating highly transferable skills. The program's emphasis on research, analytical thinking, critical reading, and persuasive writing makes graduates valuable in a multitude of careers. The department offers for-credit internship opportunities (HIST 50) in various settings, including museums, libraries, law offices, electoral politics, and non-profit organizations, allowing students to gain practical work experience. Additionally, preceptorships (HIST 60 and 61) offer a unique opportunity for students interested in teaching to work alongside Whittier faculty or local educators, learning about history pedagogy. The college's Center for Career and Professional Development further assists students with career exploration, resume building, and networking.
Global Perspective: A global perspective is fundamentally integrated into Whittier College's History program. The curriculum begins with a global approach (Introduction to World History) and encourages students to understand global connections by placing national and local histories into broader contexts. The requirement for both "depth" in one world area and "breadth" across multiple world areas ensures students develop a comprehensive understanding of diverse historical trajectories. Beyond the classroom, the college actively promotes study abroad programs, with the Global Poet Scholarship supporting students who wish to immerse themselves in different cultures and historical settings. This commitment to international exposure ensures that graduates are equipped to understand and critically engage with an increasingly interconnected and globalized world.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History from Whittier College equips graduates with a powerful and adaptable skillset, highly valued across a multitude of professional fields. Beyond a deep understanding of the past, history majors cultivate exceptional research, analytical, critical thinking, and communication abilities.
Lawyer/Paralegal: The rigorous analysis of evidence, construction of arguments, and understanding of historical context inherent in a history degree provide an excellent foundation for legal professions. Many history majors pursue law school, or begin as paralegals, assisting with legal research and document preparation.
Archivist/Collections Manager: For those passionate about preserving the past, a history degree directly prepares graduates for roles in archives, libraries, and museums. They are responsible for organizing, preserving, and making accessible historical documents, artifacts, and records.
Museum Curator/Exhibition Designer: History majors can apply their knowledge to bring the past to life for the public. They research, interpret, and arrange historical artifacts and narratives for museum exhibitions, educational programs, and public engagement.
Teacher (Secondary Education): A common and impactful career path, history graduates are well-prepared to teach history, social studies, and related subjects at the middle and high school levels, inspiring the next generation of critical thinkers.
Journalist/Reporter: The skills in in-depth research, critical evaluation of sources, and clear, concise writing are invaluable for journalism. History majors can work as reporters, editors, or feature writers, covering a wide range of topics for print, digital, or broadcast media.
Policy Analyst/Government Affairs: History graduates' ability to analyze complex issues, understand the historical roots of current problems, and construct well-reasoned arguments makes them ideal for roles in government agencies, think tanks, or lobbying firms, informing and shaping public policy.
Researcher (Academic or Private Sector): The extensive research training in a history program makes graduates strong candidates for research positions in various fields. This could be in academic institutions, market research firms, or even for corporations needing historical context for their products or strategies.
Librarian (with further education): While often requiring a Master's in Library Science, a history degree provides an excellent background for librarianship, particularly in academic or specialized libraries focusing on historical collections, research support, and information management.
Genealogist/Family Historian: With meticulous research skills and a passion for individual narratives, history graduates can work for individuals or organizations tracing family histories, often involving extensive archival research and document analysis.
Marketing and Public Relations Specialist: The ability to understand narratives, connect with audiences, and communicate persuasively are critical in marketing and PR. History graduates can craft compelling brand stories, manage communications, and develop campaigns that resonate with specific demographics by understanding historical and cultural contexts.
