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History

Study Yesterday. Influence Today.

Explore the people, events, and ideas that have shaped our world through Bethany’s history program. As you examine societies across time, you’ll strengthen your research, writing, and analytical skills while learning to think critically about the past and its influence on the present.

What You’ll Experience

At Bethany, history students investigate the events, cultures, and movements that shaped civilizations while developing the research and communication skills valued across many professions.

Historical Perspectives

  • Study American, European, and world history through political, cultural, economic, and social perspectives
  • Explore the events, people, and ideas that continue to influence today’s world
  • Examine primary and secondary sources to understand historical change and context

Research & Analysis

  • Strengthen critical thinking, research, and analytical skills through writing and discussion
  • Complete research projects and a senior capstone experience
  • Learn to evaluate evidence, interpret historical sources, and communicate complex ideas clearly

Learning Beyond the Classroom

  • Participate in internships with museums, archives, and historical organizations
  • Join the History Club and explore regional museums and historical sites
  • Pursue membership in Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society
2 students talking

Careers & Advanced Study

History graduates pursue careers and graduate study in fields such as:

  • Education
  • Museums and archives
  • Historical preservation
  • Public history
  • Law
  • Government
  • Public administration
  • Business
  • Nonprofit leadership
  • Research
  • Publishing and editing
  • Historical consulting
Student Giving Presentation

Areas Of Study

History (Major, Minor)

Why Bethany

ARCHIVES, MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES

RESEARCH THAT BUILDS REAL-WORLD SKILLS

SMALL CLASSES. BIG HISTORICAL QUESTIONS.

ALUMNISUCCESS

“As a History major, Bethany College was an ideal setting in which to study, from the iconic Old Main and the grand old buildings on campus to the beautiful downtown historic district. At Phillips Library the college archivist encouraged me to work hands-on with the rare books and artifacts and I was immediately hooked. I graduated from Bethany and landed a job at the Library of Congress before pursuing a Master’s degree and eventually finding my way back to West Virginia as an archivist and records manager. While I learned theory and critical thinking in the classroom, it was the visceral connection to the past that working in an archives provides that truly set the course of my career. A degree from Bethany could have landed me any number of jobs, but I probably wouldn’t be where I am were it not for that chance visit to the college archives.”

Jon-Erik Gilot

History, 2006, Director of Archives & Records, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston

Meet The Faculty

Kayce Mobley

Assistant Professor; Chair of History and Political Science

Morlan Hall
Harwood McClerking

Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science

Morlan Hall, 205
Autumn Mayle

Assistant Professor of History

Morlan Hall

Program Resources

Requirements & Course Descriptions

View our course catalogue for the full list of requirements and course descriptions.

History, Major
History, Minor

Related Programs

Study History at Bethany

Build the research, writing, and critical thinking skills to understand history and make an impact wherever your path leads.