History

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History + Social Studies Teaching

As a history major, you’ll learn how to write thoughtfully, ask intelligent questions and evaluate sources—skills that are important in any line of work. If you want to share your passion for history with others, the social studies teaching major combines courses in history, political science, and psychology with education courses, preparing you to lead your own classroom. Wherever your career takes you, studying history will give you an appreciation for humanity’s past and help you think critically about the future.

Major requirements

History + Social Studies Teaching
Why NWC?

Why NWC?

At Northwestern, you’ll learn from Christian professors who believe all people are made in God’s image and have inherent dignity and worth. With their guidance, you’ll be prepared to apply insights from the past to problems of the present and future. And if you want to teach, Northwestern offers both a social studies teaching major and a secondary teaching endorsement in American history and world history.

History major courses will include introductions to historical inquiry and public history; an exploration of city, empire and church in antiquity and the Middle Ages; surveys of U.S., European and world history; and the study of the philosophy of history. If you choose to major in social studies teaching, you’ll take courses in two majors: social studies teaching and secondary education. Related minors include history, philosophy and Middle East studies. 

CONTACT
Dr. Robert Winn
Dr. Robert Winn
Department Chair
TOP PROFESSOR Dr. Michael Kugler was 1 of 25 chosen to participate in an Oxford seminar on Christianity, the humanities and science.
LAW DEGREE IN 6 YEARS NWC has partnered with Drake University’s law program to help you earn a B.A. and a J.D. degree in 6 years instead of the standard 7. 100% PLACEMENT Recent history grads pursuing teaching positions have found a job or enrolled in grad school within 6 months of graduation.
A+ EXPERIENCE Social studies teaching majors spend 100+ hours in area classrooms before they student teach.

Outcomes

Northwestern history graduates have pursued graduate degrees at Boston University, Texas Tech and the University of Glasgow, Scotland. They’re teaching at every level and have careers in historical research and reenactment; museum and archive management; and law, politics, and diplomatic service.

Join our standout alumni at:

Abundant Life Christian School
Honduras
Dakota Valley School District
North Sioux City, SD
Office of Inspector General of Nebraska
Lincoln, NE
University of Iowa Law School
Iowa City, IA
University of Minnesota Law School
Minneapolis, MN
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI

Experience

Become a teacher

Become a teacher

If you want to become a high school teacher, you’ll complete both a social studies teaching major and a secondary education major. The two majors combine courses in teaching methods with courses in history, political science, psychology and more.

To build your confidence, you’ll spend more than 100 hours in area classrooms before you student teach. You’ll also have the opportunity to student teach within a 60-mile radius of campus or with an international school. Teaching endorsements are available in American history or world history.

Practice law

Practice law

History is one of several majors that pair well with Northwestern’s pre-law program, which is designed to introduce you to various areas of law and to prepare you for entry into law school. 

Learn to think

Learn to think

As a Christian college, Northwestern is committed to the search for truth in the light of God’s truth. Our  philosophy minor will help you apply careful reasoning to complex issues—preparing you to answer important questions about the world and our place in it. 

Minor in Middle East studies

Minor in Middle East studies

By pairing your history or social studies teaching major with a minor in Middle East studies, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of a region and religion that play a critical role in current events. You’ll also learn tangible ways to build relationships between Christians and Muslims. 

Study abroad

Study abroad

Immerse yourself in the history of other countries and cultures by spending a semester or summer abroad. Northwestern offers study abroad programs in dozens of countries around the globe. 

Internships

Internships

Whether you stick close to campus or venture to a more urban area, Northwestern’s Compass Center for Career & Calling will help you find internship opportunities that match your interests.

Raiders have interned with:

  • Chicago Historical Society, Chicago, IL
  • City of Chicago Law Department, Municipal Prosecutions Department, Chicago, IL
  • Jared Weber Law Firm, Orange City
  • Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles, CA
  • National Mississippi River Museum, Dubuque, IA 

Become a teacher

If you want to become a high school teacher, you’ll complete both a social studies teaching major and a secondary education major. The two majors combine courses in teaching methods with courses in history, political science, psychology and more.

To build your confidence, you’ll spend more than 100 hours in area classrooms before you student teach. You’ll also have the opportunity to student teach within a 60-mile radius of campus or with an international school. Teaching endorsements are available in American history or world history.

Practice law

History is one of several majors that pair well with Northwestern’s pre-law program, which is designed to introduce you to various areas of law and to prepare you for entry into law school. 

Learn to think

As a Christian college, Northwestern is committed to the search for truth in the light of God’s truth. Our  philosophy minor will help you apply careful reasoning to complex issues—preparing you to answer important questions about the world and our place in it. 

Minor in Middle East studies

By pairing your history or social studies teaching major with a minor in Middle East studies, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of a region and religion that play a critical role in current events. You’ll also learn tangible ways to build relationships between Christians and Muslims. 

Study abroad

Immerse yourself in the history of other countries and cultures by spending a semester or summer abroad. Northwestern offers study abroad programs in dozens of countries around the globe. 

Internships

Whether you stick close to campus or venture to a more urban area, Northwestern’s Compass Center for Career & Calling will help you find internship opportunities that match your interests.

Raiders have interned with:

  • Chicago Historical Society, Chicago, IL
  • City of Chicago Law Department, Municipal Prosecutions Department, Chicago, IL
  • Jared Weber Law Firm, Orange City
  • Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles, CA
  • National Mississippi River Museum, Dubuque, IA