While examining the past, history students learn to articulate different points of view, analyze evidence and ideas, and enhance both oral and written communication skills.
Wittenberg's history program is distinguished by its global orientation, wide course variety, opportunities for learning outside the classroom, and close interaction between students and a dedicated faculty of teacher-scholars.
The department of history actively utilizes discussion groups, colloquia, seminars, internships, local history and study abroad to develop oral and written communication skills, research capabilities, and critical and analytical aptitude.
Travel, research and internships are just some of the opportunities for history majors to extend their education beyond classroom walls. An internship allows you to explore the practical application of history and "public history" in a variety of museums, businesses and offices.
In the past five years, professors have taken students to France, Lesotho and Egypt, as well as local sites of interest in Springfield and Ohio. Students also take advantage of local resources to complete unique research projects. History majors have participated in the archaeological excavation of a 19th-century house on campus that once housed the university's first sorority.
A history major or minor is the springboard for any number of careers and professional opportunities, including in business, education, editing, and in both the public and private sectors.
History in the News:
- Zoe Schwartz '20: Wittenberg Senior’s Work Accepted for National Humanities Symposium (published April 13, 2020)
- Award-Winning Archaeological Endeavor: Wittenberg Professor’s Latest Work Earns International Recognition (published November 11, 2019)
- Vivian Overholt '17: Vivian Overholt ’17 currently serving as a 2018-2019 Princeton in Latin America (PiLA) Fellow (published June 11, 2019)
- Lucas George '18: Lucas George ’18 Earns James Madison Memorial Fellowship (published July 3, 2019)
- Rosenberg Named: Wittenberg University Names H. Orth Hirt Chair in History (published March 12, 2019)
- Uncovering Lost History Wittenberg Archaeology & History Students Preserve Local History (published June 13, 2018)
- Teaching Excellence: Wittenberg professor Named Kenneth E. Wray Endowed Chair in the Humanities (published February 8, 2018)
- Research Rewarded: #LifeAfterWitt: John Mohr, Class of 2012, Furthers Understanding of Southern Auto Industry As He Wins First-Ever Award (published January 25, 2018)
- Engaging the Past: Caitlin Lobl ’16 Pursues Unique Path to Archaeology (published December 7, 2017)
- Digging Ireland: Hannah McCartney Accepted into Blackfriary Program (published June 2, 2017)
- International Debate: History Professor's Expertise Becomes Part of Global Conversation (published June 2, 2017)
- Whitney Mihalik '10 Shares Passion for Archaeology: Teacher Brings Her Love of Subject to the Classroom (published May 30, 2017)
- Forza Italia: Junior Lands Summer Internship at Turin Museum of Egyptology (published April 28, 2017)
- Distinguished Service: Wittenberg Professor Emeritus of History Jim Huffman Honored (published March 27, 2017)
- Stand-Outs: Students Impress at National Conference (published February 22, 2017)
- Witt Series Welcomes Tillman: Civil Rights Activist Dorothy Tillman Headlines Wittenberg Series' Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation (published January 6, 2017)
- Digging in Deep: Student Archeologists Embrace History Through Hands-on Learning (published September 20, 2016)
- Ties of Kinship: What the World Can Learn from the Medieval Elite (published April 13, 2016)
- Archaeology in Ireland: Wittenberg Student Studies at Irish Archaeological Field School (published August 11, 2015)
- Honorary Consul to Lesotho: Wittenberg Professor Scott Rosenberg Appointed Honorary Consul for the Kingdom Of Lesotho (published October 21, 2014)