Oswego's history program will provide you with a broad exposure to your own heritage, acquaint you with other cultures and promote an in-depth understanding of at least one historical area.
Overview
Subjects focus on American, African, Asian, European, Latin American and Middle Eastern history; social, intellectual, military and political history; and gender and ethnic studies. You’ll learn to read closely and critically, to evaluate and synthesize materials from diverse sources, to speak and write effectively, to use empathy and imagination and to adhere to high standards of intellectual integrity — skills and habits of mind that will serve you well in diverse fields.
Our setting in a historic city and region provides a complementary atmosphere and many internship opportunities with museums, historic attractions and preservation organizations (as well as in other parts of the country). Apply to study abroad in cities old and new.
Pursue opportunities to work with our skilled and helpful faculty on individual research projects. Join our History Club. Excel and you could be inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society — and become eligible for the history honors program, in which you can work directly with a faculty member to complete a thesis and earn an honors degree.
Curriculum
Bachelor of Arts
Outcomes
- Read closely and critically
- Evaluate and synthesize materials from diverse sources
- Speak and write effectively; demonstrate ability to analyze and incorporate primary and/or secondary sources into writing
- Demonstrate outstanding ability to define historical problems, synthesize information and understand causal relationships
- Adhere to high standards of intellectual integrity
Career Opportunities
- Teaching
- Law
- Public and government service
- Publishing
- Museum work
- Diplomacy
I love learning about the past and understanding how vital it is to understanding the modern world we live in today. In order to create a better world for future generations, it is necessary to have a solid understanding of how this world has been shaped by humanity.
Becoming a history major was probably the best decision I've made at Oswego. Studying history has exposed weaknesses in my understanding, put my beliefs into question, and shown me the need to view our past critically.
Program Resources
The Oswego Guarantee
- Timely course offerings
- High touch connections to alumni
- Small student to faculty ratio
- Limited room & board increases each year
Study Abroad
Take classes and participate in internships while immersing yourself in all that region has to offer.
Where our students have interned
- The British Museum
- Office of the White House and Congressional Affairs
- Disney World
- ESPN Deportes
- H. Lee White Maritime Museum
- New York State Assembly and Senate Offices
- Safe Haven Museum and Education Center
- Seward House
Internships
Learn what it's like to work in a professional setting while still in school.
Get Involved
Our History Club meets weekly to discuss history, it's impact on the world and current events in the news. We plan overnight trips to historical cities in the northeast once a semester- past trips have included Washington D.C., Boston and Philadelphia!
Faculty-Led Courses
This unique programs allows students to spend a few weeks studying a course topic before traveling to their destination abroad to experience what they learned in person, on location.
Join our Honors Program
With the department’s approval, enter the honors program, where you’ll have the opportunity to pursue advanced topics and work with faculty one-on-one.