The General History (B.S.) at Illinois State University invites you to explore the past, critically analyze events, and understand their profound impact on the present. This undergraduate degree is ideal for curious minds eager to uncover compelling narratives and develop a nuanced understanding of human societies across different eras and cultures. You will engage with diverse historical periods and themes, from ancient civilizations to modern global conflicts, fostering essential analytical and research skills that are transferable to numerous professional paths. This program provides a robust foundation for those passionate about historical inquiry and its relevance today.
You will pursue this Bachelor of Science degree full-time on campus over four years, completing a minimum of 120 credit hours, including 40 senior-level hours. Your studies will involve foundational courses in English and foreign languages, alongside a broad spectrum of history electives, including non-Western and senior-level options, as well as a required minor. Throughout your degree, you will develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills through coursework and potentially independent study. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in education, archives, public history, law, government, and further academic pursuits.