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History, B.A.

History, B.A.

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By studying history, you will learn to view events and issues through multiple perspectives, interpret their meaning, and make connections between the past and present. You will seek answers to difficult questions, and will undertake the rewarding challenge of exploring virtually unlimited information.

Majoring in history at Whitworth will broaden your understanding of the world, connect you with excellent internship and study-abroad opportunities, immerse you in a community that desires to help you succeed, and provide you with valuable skills that you can apply to any career.

Why major in history at Whitworth?

  • Learn from professors who are dedicated to rigorous academic inquiry and to their students. Your professors will challenge you to grow academically and personally.
  • Take part in stimulating classroom discussions. Small class sizes mean you can share your insights and knowledge in class, where professors value students' ideas.
  • Gain hands-on experience through incredible internships. Each year, history majors are selected to intern at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Popular choices in Spokane include the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture and the Historic Preservation Office.
  • Receive support as you consider your future career. Through courses such as Becoming a Historian and through mentorship from professors, you will discover the breadth of options available. Professors will gladly help you transition to your next step post-graduation.
  • Take advantage of teaching assistantships, which can be especially beneficial if you plan to pursue graduate school.
  • Become a stronger writer, speaker and critical thinker. By majoring in history, you will build transferable skills.
  • Develop research skills. Learn how to create historical context, analyze evidence from primary as well as digital sources, search effectively and present results in various formats.
  • Become who you're meant to be.
Headshot of Ashley Crawford.
No matter what field or vocation you are interested in, history impacts all our lives. That is why it is so meaningful to learn about historical figures, movements and periods, alongside analyzing different types of historical thinking so we can draw connections and make implications for living in our community and the world today. Studying history also provides benefits like critical thinking and pairs well with other majors or minors.
Ashley Crawford '26
What it's Like
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A row of trees stands at the end of a field covered in multi-colored autumn leaves.

Ask our faculty

Have questions? Our faculty are here to share their expertise and help you learn more about this program.

Ask Professor Clark

aclark@whitworth.edu

Professor Anthony Clark's expertise is in late-imperial China.

Faculty Page

Ask Professor Leal

eleal@whitworth.edu

Faculty Page

Our history grads make a difference (and get jobs)

Whitworth history graduates are prepared to apply their broad skill set to any number of careers. Generally, majors choose careers in public history, public service, business, law, education and academia.

Recent job placements include:

  • Leighton Kittleman, museum educator, Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, Spokane
  • Alex Fergus, public service & circulation supervisor, Whitworth University, Spokane
  • Sarah Cochrane, archivist, Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, Lake Oswego, Ore.
  • Hannah Tweet, associate director, La Florida: The Interactive Digital Archive of the Americas
  • Heather Glady, project administrator, Design and Production Incorporated, Lorton, Va.
  • Noah McDonald, history and ELA teacher, Westwood Middle School, Cheney School District
  • Amber Glen, administrative assistant, Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums in the State of Alaska network
  • Benjamin Tkach, professor of political science, King University, Bristol, Tenn.
  • Chloe Dye Sherpe, curatorial project manager, Lumiere Group, Seattle
  • Katie Mann, 10th grade history and English teacher, Mt. Spokane High School, Mead School District

Our recent history grads further their studies in top graduate programs at institutions including:

  • George Washington University
  • SUNY College at Oneonta's Cooperstown Graduate Program
  • Washington State University
  • University of Washington
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • The Johns Hopkins University
  • Brandeis University
  • University of Maryland
  • University of Florida
  • Boston University

Opportunities outside the classroom

  • Engage with faculty outside of the classroom. Our faculty members accompany students to conferences and local events and lead off-campus study programs for students.
  • Attend fun department events like the fall kickoff and year-end ice cream social.
  • Connect with fellow history-loving peers in History Club. 

Pack your bags!

Whitworth offers several off-campus study programs to history majors, often in partnership with other departments like art, theatre, English, and world languages & cultures. You will have various opportunities to study in Europe, with options such as a cultural history program in Rome. Another choice for history majors is the Whitworth in China program, a study of Chinese culture and language based out of Beijing.

What related degrees and programs can I explore?

Program information