As a History major at Dean College, learn how to interpret and analyze historical sources in the search for truth, greater understanding and answers to today’s most pressing questions.

Program Overview

History is more than what’s written in dusty textbooks. It’s a first-person account passed down from a 94-year-old World War II veteran, a new presidential biography based on recently discovered documents, and the ongoing process of research and analysis.

As an associate or bachelor’s degree student in History at Dean College, you will gain a broad understanding of the major forces and events of U.S. and world history, the diversity of historical perspectives, and the research and analytical methods to make sense of it all.

You’ll study the cultural, social, political, economic and religious influences on human development. You’ll explore a variety of primary and secondary sources (including original documents, film, music and visual images) and build information literacy skills in order to recognize, evaluate and critique the evidence on which historical narratives are based. You’ll also take hands-on public and digital history courses, examining how historians construct history and present it for various audiences. And you’ll build rhetorical, analytical and communication skills as you learn how to draw lessons from the past to address contemporary problems.

Core courses and electives include:

  • Making History
  • Reading World Revolutions
  • Cold War America: Culture and Conflicts
  • The Holocaust in History and Memory
  • Globalization in History
  • Modern Latin America and the Caribbean
  • History of Gender and Sexuality

Students majoring in History can take part in Dean’s Humanities in Action Initiative. Through Humanities in Action, students can gain hands-on-experience, career-readiness, make professional connections, and they learn about the importance of the humanities in civic engagement. Learn more about Humanities in Action | Dean College.

Dean College professor working with a student

School of Liberal Arts Faculty

Gain valuable insights from our School of Liberal Arts faculty, who are here to help you every step of the way.

History Courses

Course Number Course Title Credits
HIS 101 Making History 3
HIS 111 United States History to 1865 3
HIS 112 United States History - 1865 to Present 3
HIS 151 World History l, to 1500 3
HIS 152 World History ll, 1500 to Present 3
200 LEVEL HISTORY ELECTIVE 200-level History Electives 6
UPPER-DIVISION MAJOR ELE 300 or 400-level History Electives 12
HIS 425 Digital History 3
HIS 430 Public History 3
HIS 495 Senior Capstone 3
DCA 100 Campus Connections: Making the Transition 1
DCA 110 Career Connections: Developing Your Brand 1
DCA 200 Internship Connections: Creating Your Plan 1
DCA 300 The Internship Experience 3
DCA 300, DCA 301, ENG 445, ENG 446 or The Research Experience Electives 3
DCA EXPERIENCE ELE Dean Career Advantage Experience Course 3
DCA 350 Future Connections: Launching Your Career 3
Total Credits 57

Course Number Course Title Credits
ENG 111 Composition l 3
ENG 112 Composition ll 3
SPC 101 Communication Fundamentals 3
MATH ELECTIVE Core Mathematics Elective 3
SCI 265 History of Science 4
ARTS ELECTIVE Core Distribution Arts Elective 3
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Humanities Elective 3
NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics Elective 3
SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Social Sciences Elective 3
COM 327 Applied Professional Communication 3
UDLA ELE Upper-Division Liberal Arts Electives 9
Total Credits 40

Course Number Course Title Credits
ELE Electives 27
Total Credits 27

* Subject to change
** Based on the Dean College Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Uniquely Dean

Dean College professor working with two students. Explore local history and prepare for your future career through the Dean College History program.

Beyond the Classroom

Dean College students studying on campus At Dean, you’ll bring history to life and develop career skills in everything you do.

Every History student has the opportunity to complete a for-credit internship with a local or regional museum, historical society, library or nonprofit organization. In addition, bachelor’s degree candidates complete a detailed senior capstone project involving extensive research and the opportunity to make valuable professional connections.

You’ll also participate in co-curricular and experiential learning opportunities regularly. Our recent field trips include the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Harvard Museums of Science and Culture, Russell Museum of Medical History and Innovation and Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo

When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a career in public history, digital humanities, museum work, historical societies, archival work or education. The research and writing skills developed in this major will also prepare you for many fields of employment, including government, the business world, journalism, media and law. A degree in History is also an excellent foundation for further study, including master’s programs in history or political science, law school, journalism school, film school and more. It all starts at Dean. 

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