The study of history is the most basic and relevant of all the liberal arts. Studying the past helps build the skills required to understand and analyze trends, personalities and movement—not only those that have shaped past events, but those that affect the present and the future.
Students of history at Elmhurst don’t just learn who won which battles; they learn to evaluate information, research and write compellingly, and assess competing arguments. The major consists of at least seven history courses, including a senior thesis. History majors can, and should, choose courses from a wide variety of historical periods and areas.
Our department ranked No. 9 on Zippia’s list of best colleges for history majors in Illinois.
Our Faculty
Faculty members at Elmhurst are experienced scholars with specialties in American and European history and particular interests in British cultural history, American urban and suburban history, women’s history and evil personalities throughout history.
A professor, never a teaching assistant, teaches every class here. With a student-faculty ratio of 14:1, you can be assured that you will develop close relationships with these professors. In small classes, you’ll work face to face with faculty who are at Elmhurst because they love to teach.
Careers and Outcomes
A history major from Elmhurst can open doors to a variety of rewarding careers. Our alumni enjoy success in a large variety of careers, including teaching, research, consulting, museum work, and law. Many of our alumni go on to prestigious graduate schools before launching their careers.