Area of Study:

History

Researching Yesterday’s Answers to Today’s Big Questions

Embarking on a history education at Bethel College promises to furnish you with robust research and writing skills. Beyond the classroom, you’ll have hands-on opportunities to engage in historical practices at the Kauffman Museum and the Mennonite Library & Archives. The program emphasizes intimate, small-class settings that foster meaningful discussions and cultivate a deeper understanding of historical contexts. As you delve into your studies, you’ll also benefit from mentorship provided by faculty members actively involved in historical research, ensuring a rich and immersive learning experience.

Bethel history majors have gone on to

study law
teach high-school history
work in libraries
and much more.

Hands-on Learning

Unique opportunities for hands-on history experience abound — from museum internships at Kauffman Museum to archival internships working with rare books and manuscripts in the Mennonite Library and Archives to courses taught on location in Europe.

Outcomes

“The mentoring I received at Bethel has served me well as I have pursued both a calling into Christian ministry, and a career in public communications. I don’t think there are many places where I would have had the chance to engage in such a breadth and depth of activity.”
Micah Bales ’04 History, Spanish
M.Div., Earlham School of Religion, Advocacy manager, Homeless Children’s Playtime Project, Washington, D.C.

Bethel history graduates have:

founded their own law firm in Kansas City
gone on to doctoral studies at top universities
taught in public schools
worked in museums
volunteered for service assignments
and become pastors

Notable Alumni

Samuel Voth Schrag – ’04

Samuel was able to earn his M.Div. from the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and go on to lead the congregation at St. Louis Mennonite Fellowship.

Micah Bales – ’04

Micah expanded on his degrees in history and Spanish to achieve a Master of Divinity degree and begin a career that involves service and communication. He attributes the variety of areas he could explore at Bethel to his well-rounded resume. Bales’ passion for helping others is exemplified through his work as an advocacy manager for the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project in Washington, D.C.

Coursework

Major requirements for History:

30 hours (14 upper-level).

Major requirements for History and Government teacher licensure:

45 hours, including 15 hours required supporting courses in government, sociology, economics and geography, plus completion of General Education requirements for teacher licensure and professional education requirements.