History

Become a student of the human story.

Who am I? What does it mean to be human? What are the great ideas that have shaped the West and cultures around the globe? These are just some of the questions you will be prompted to ask when you dig into history at Grove City College. Our rigorous program combines a Western focus with a global reach, offering you a rich education that deepens your understanding of your roots while cultivating a greater appreciation for the global nature of civilization. As you wrestle with primary sources from the past and perspectives from the present, you will be awakened to the extraordinary blend of people, places, and cultures that constitute the human story. In doing so, we believe you will grow to appreciate the fallen yet beautiful complexity of humankind — created in God’s image with eternal purpose and potential.

Build a solid foundation, hone your skills.

Once exposed to the breadth of world history and grounded in America’s past, you will have freedom to explore niche areas and the flexibility to double major or minor in another discipline. No matter your focus, you will benefit from our humanities core — a five-course series spanning history, Bible, aesthetics, literature, and worldview that will enrich your perspective on "the good life" while cultivating empathy and a well-rounded understanding of the world. As a student of history, you will be challenged to think critically and contextually about a host of issues. You will also hone your research and writing skills — essential qualities of a good thinker and historian. 

Find mentors in passionate historians.

As a history major, you will be taught by accomplished faculty who prioritize your academic and personal development. Our faculty’s passion for their students is palpable, transcending mere mastery of historical facts. Whether in the lecture hall or over lunch in the cafeteria, they will provoke your curiosity and foster discernment, humility, and empathy as you debate diverse interpretations and sift for truth. Excelling in research, our faculty regularly present their findings at international conferences and publish their work with major academic presses, bringing advanced expertise back to campus that often catalyzes class discussion. While faculty share a common Christian worldview, they bring a variety of unique perspectives to the table. This yields a robust learning community where you are invited to ask hard questions, guided to solidify your own worldview, and encouraged to consider the big picture as you hone your professional calling.

Grow professionally.

The history department values hands-on experience and professional development, facilitating unique opportunities for students throughout the year. Among various summer internship destinations, many of our students participate in a major archeological conservation project in the Mediterranean region through the Archaeological Conservation Institute. Or perhaps you will participate in the Summer Sail Internship Program on board the U.S. Brig Niagara — a replica of the 1813 square-rigged sailing warship from the Battle of Lake Erie that took place during the War of 1812. During the school year, you may choose to work in our campus archives or at the local historical society. In addition, you will have the chance to join our history honorary, Phi Alpha Theta, which promotes excellence in history, facilitates student paper submissions to national conferences, and provides leadership opportunities for upperclassmen to tutor and mentor fellow students.

Enjoy amazing outcomes.

Thanks to a rigorous education and excellent career preparation, 95% of Grove City College graduates are working or in graduate school within six months of graduation. If you take advantage of our robust resources, you too will be ready to compete for exciting positions or seats in top graduate schools around the country — such as the University of Chicago, UCLA, NYU School of Law, and Westminster Theological Seminary. With a degree in history from Grove City, you will be positioned to make an impact in a wide variety of fields. From the Smithsonian Institution to the Peace Corps to Merrill Lynch to the U.S. Air Force and more, our graduates are making history in their spheres — bringing order, wisdom, and care to communities around the globe.

Department Fact Sheet