History Program

History

Major
Minor

History

Major
Minor

Your History in the Making.

At Presbyterian College, studying history becomes the global gateway to other worlds and experiences: from past to present, home to abroad, and everywhere in between. We believe that it’s foundational to the liberal arts and the development of the whole person.  

Studying history opens doors by developing skills in research, data management, organization, and more. It encourages you to evaluate your current opinions, expand your perspectives, and communicate with clarity and persuasion. By understanding the past, you can do so much more with your future. And it starts at PC.  

The Power of Your Degree

  • Expand your global perspective. 
    Dive deeper into critical issues such as social justice, political movements, economic changes, cultural developments and more. 
  • Broaden your knowledge. 
    Pair your studies with other disciplines like political science, economics, sociology, pre-law, and others.  
  • Solidify your skill set. 
    Develop strong research, critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills. 
  • Become a critical thinker. 
    Learn how to accurately evaluate sources, construct arguments, and present your findings clearly.  
Dr. Jackie Sumner with Presbyterian College students

Student Voices The History Major Experience

Hear from our history majors about how their studies have shaped their thinking, enhanced their skills, and prepared them for meaningful careers and graduate study.

Warner Bush, a member of the Presbyterian College Class of 2026. Presbyterian College student Cassidy Canfield is a senior from Columbia, S.C., double majoring in psychology and history and graduating in fall 2024. Gabby Brinez-Pardo, a December 2024 graduate of Presbyterian College, made the most of her first-generation college student experience by becoming a dedicated student leader and scholar.

Student Voices The History Major Experience

Hear from our history majors about how their studies have shaped their thinking, enhanced their skills, and prepared them for meaningful careers and graduate study.

Warner Bush ’25

“Being able to take a wide range of courses—and being part of a small academic community—really helped me become a better thinker and writer.”

Cassidy Canfield ’25

“Studying history alongside psychology has helped me better understand the social and cultural factors that influence behavior.”

Gabby Brinez-Pardo ’25

“PC changes you; it leaves a mark. It takes breaking down that wall of naivety to find that there is a lot more growth to do, but PC is great at making that change feel attainable.”

Patrick Buchanan ’25

“I got my feet wet with research during this time, and I discovered my love for Brazilian history. PC’s curriculum and the classes that I have been able to take as early as freshman year were all critical in getting me involved with research.”

Read my story
Cassidy Canfield '25

Cassidy
Canfield '25

“I chose PC because I wanted to build relationships with my professors and classmates. The psychology program here has not only provided me with the skills needed for graduate school but also opened my eyes to the many career paths available in this field."

Read My Story

Read my story
Gabby Brinez-Pardo '25

Gabby
Brinez-Pardo '25

“When I first got to PC, I had a general idea of how I saw my life being. I quickly realized that I had nothing figured out and that I was going to have to get used to that. PC changes you; it leaves a mark. It takes breaking down that wall of naivety to find that there is a lot more growth to do,…

Read My Story

What You’ll Study

As a History major, you’ll gain a deeper perspective on the ideas, events, and issues that have affected human civilizations from the past to the present. Our curriculum covers diverse topics, ranging from medieval warfare to the defining U.S. moments of the 1960s, becoming more specialized in your junior and senior years.  

To broaden your perspective even further, history majors also minor in another field of study or pursue a double major, enabling you to gain mastery in multiple disciplines.  

Careers in History

Love history but not sure how to turn it into a career? Fortunately, the skills you develop while earning your history degree translate well into many different fields. Alumni from PC’s program have gone on to pursue careers in law, the National Park Service, ministry, the military, the Peace Corps, and more. Some have even launched their own businesses. With a history degree from PC, your possibilities are endless.  

Career Professions

Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army

National Park Service

Fulbright Scholar

Peace Corps

Teach for America

Civil Service

Museum Educator

Young Adult Volunteer

Research Analyst

Historian

Cultural Affairs

Political Campaigns

Archivist

Naturalist

Lawyer

Tourism Director

Grant Writing

Teaching

Acquired Skills

Problem Solving

Critical Thinking

Research Methodology

Research Analysis

Document Analysis

Communication Skills

Narrative Construction

Logical Reasoning

Data Literacy

Writing Proficiency

Presentation Skills

Culture Awareness

Archival Skills

Analytical Skills

Ethical Reasoning

Information Literacy

Quick Stats

History majors working as historians earn competitive compensation, with positions in government agencies, museums, and research institutions offering the highest salaries. Advanced degrees typically command higher pay in specialized historical fields. 

From 2023-2033, historian positions are expected to grow steadily due to increased demand for research expertise in historical records, archives, and cultural heritage preservation across both public and private sectors.

From 2023-2033, history graduates demonstrate exceptional career adaptability, successfully entering diverse fields including law, education, business, government, and media. Employers consistently value their research expertise, critical thinking, and communication skills across industries.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; American Historical Association

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