Next Steps

History/Social Studies, B.A.

The history/social studies major at Whitworth will equip you with the broad knowledge needed to become an effective K-12 teacher of the social sciences. You will explore history in depth and will also develop foundational knowledge in political science, sociology and economics.

This major may be taken by itself or paired with an education major. It is often taken in preparation for a master in teaching program.

Why major in history/social studies at Whitworth?

Learn from professors who are dedicated to rigorous academic inquiry and to their students. Your professors will challenge you to grow academically and personally.
Become prepared to meet state teaching standards. The history and education departments work closely to adapt curriculum to the latest Washington state standards to prepare you for the competency exam in social sciences.
Take part in stimulating classroom discussions. Small class sizes mean you can share your insights and knowledge in class, where professors value students' ideas.
Gain hands-on experience through incredible internships. Each year, history majors are selected to intern at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. during the Fall Term and for externships during Jan Term. Popular choices in Spokane include the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture and the Historic Preservation Office.
Take advantage of teaching assistantships, which can be especially beneficial if you plan to pursue graduate school.
Become a stronger writer, speaker and critical thinker. By majoring in history, you will build transferable skills.
Develop research skills. Learn how to create historical context, analyze evidence from primary as well as digital sources, search effectively and present results in various formats.
Become who you're meant to be.

Our history/social studies grads make a difference (and get jobs)

Graduates generally become K-12 teachers in history and the social sciences, either in public or private schools.

Recent job placements include:

Kyrstin Desjardins, history teacher, Central Valley High School, Spokane Valley, Wash.
Laura Venemon, social studies and ELL teacher, Tahoma High School, Maple Valley, Wash.
Michelle Bodman, social studies teacher, Lewis & Clark High School, Spokane
Alexandria Griffith, social studies teacher, Mead School District, Mead, Wash.

Our recent grads further their studies at institutions including:

Whitworth University
George Fox University

Graduate school options at Whitworth

After earning your bachelor's degree, you can continue on and earn a master in teaching through our School of Education.

Opportunities outside the classroom

Engage with faculty outside of the classroom. Our faculty members accompany students to conferences and local events and lead off-campus study programs for students.
Attend fun department events like the fall kickoff and year-end ice cream social.
Connect with fellow history-loving peers in History Club.

Pack your bags!

Whitworth offers several off-campus study programs to students in the history department, often in partnership with other departments like art, theatre, English, and world languages & cultures. You will have various opportunities to study in Europe, with options such as a cultural history program in Rome. Another choice for history majors is the Whitworth in China program, a study of Chinese culture and language based out of Beijing.