Course Overview

The History (B.A./B.S.) program at Northern Illinois University offers students a comprehensive exploration of historical events, cultures, and societies across various time periods and regions. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to analyze primary and secondary sources. Students can choose between a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) track, with the B.A. focusing on broader liberal arts education and the B.S. incorporating additional quantitative or interdisciplinary components.

Unique features of the program include opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and study abroad programs that allow students to engage with historical sites and archives firsthand. The department also offers specialized courses in areas such as public history, digital history, and regional histories.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the History program are equipped for diverse career paths in education, public service, law, journalism, and cultural institutions. The skills developed—such as critical analysis, writing, and research—are highly transferable to various professional fields.

Key Faculty and Staff

While specific faculty names and profiles are subject to change, the History Department at Northern Illinois University is staffed by experienced professors with expertise in American, European, Asian, and Latin American history, as well as thematic specializations like military history and gender studies. Detailed faculty information can be accessed through the university's official department page.

Unique Facilities and Partnerships

The program benefits from access to the university's extensive library resources, including special collections and archives for historical research. Additionally, partnerships with local museums, historical societies, and cultural organizations provide students with practical experience through internships and collaborative projects.