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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
Old collection compass, telescope and collecting rare items on antique world map

History

Explore Penn State Altoona's History program by clicking through the links in the menu. If you don't see the menu, click on the "Open" button on the left-hand side of your screen.

Contact the History Program Coordinators to learn more

Why major in History?

Do you have a passion for the past? Do you want to connect with the people and events that have shaped our world? With Penn State Altoona’s History degree program, you can make those connections while developing skills and insights that will help prepare you for a wide range of careers.

At the college level, the study of history involves not simply learning facts about people and places of the past, but also sharpening your skills of analysis and interpretation. As a history major, you will develop your talent in research, reporting, evaluating evidence and artifacts, and gaining an understanding of your own and foreign cultures. Importantly, you’ll learn to effectively analyze the past, while also preparing to become a critical thinker and leader of tomorrow.

Fall 2022 graduate Jim Miller with history faculty members Mark McNicholas and Doug Page

Congratulations to our fall 2022 history graduate Jim Miller (center), seen here with history faculty members Mark McNicholas (left) and Doug Page (right).

Credit: Penn State

Program Highlights

As a Penn State Altoona History major, your studies will begin with a broad exploration of two of the three following central historic perspectives:

  • Western Civilization
  • American History
  • World History

You will also choose among courses on a wide range of topics and eras in American, European, Asian, and world history, from the ancient Mediterranean and China to contemporary America and the Middle East, and focusing on such subjects as madness, the environment, major wars and their eras, women’s history, and public history—the practice of working with historical artifacts and documents and making them accessible to the public.

As a senior, you will choose a capstone experience that lets you apply your knowledge and skills through either a major research project or a hands-on internship of your choice.

Careers

The bachelor of arts degree in History, with its emphasis on analytical and communication skills, helps prepare students for a broad spectrum of possibilities in business, sales, law, government, and museum and library careers. Our alumni have gone on to become educators, museum administrators, park rangers, and professionals in a variety of private-sector settings.

What is history for?

The fundamentals about history and why we need it.

Credit: The School of Life - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7IcJI8PUf5Z3zKxnZvTBog

History

  • Request Information about History
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  • Courses in History
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    • Internet Resources
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  • Teaching Social Studies
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  • Highways to History: High School History Presentations
  • History Faculty and Staff
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Out-of-Class Learning

Explore out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including study abroad/study away programs, internships, undergraduate research, and community-based studies.

Find Out More

See Also

  • Division of Arts and Humanities
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Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • College Leadership
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
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    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
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