Undergraduate

History

When you study history at Assumption, you’ll choose from our breadth of offerings – from North American and European to Asian, Latin American and Middle Eastern history. Once you discover the area you love, you can explore it through engaging coursework and independent research opportunities.

History Program

Program Tracks Available

Major, Minor

Admission Deadline

Early Decision: November 15

Early Action: November 15

Early Action II: December 15

Regular Decision: March 15 (Preferred status deadline)

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Degrees Offered

B.A.

School

D'Amour College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department

Interdisciplinary Studies, History

Program Overview
Learning goals:
1. Effective written communication skills
2. The ability to recognize and apply historical research methodology
3. Demonstrably effective oral communication skills
4. Global awareness
5. Demonstrably sophisticated reading skills
Studying history does more than tell us who we were, it tells us who we are today. If you study history at Assumption, you’ll be immersed in the political, social and economic trends and traditions that shaped the past—and our own lives. Through rigorous study of primary resources, spirited discussion with your classmates and our dedicated faculty and access to renowned libraries, museums and study abroad programs, your time at Assumption will prepare you for a career in a field you love—and to take your own place in history.

Study history at Assumption University and you’ll gather the many threads of the past and follow them through to the modern day. Through careful analysis, you’ll determine where we come from—and where we’re headed.

Take advantage of the school’s proximity to several renowned libraries and museums. You can also participate in semester-long study abroad programs or take part in short-term, faculty-led excursions to sites throughout Europe.

If law school is in your future, you’ll be interested in our pre-law advising, which allows you to major in whatever subject you like while receiving one-on-one guidance on applying to law school. You can also take advantage of our partnerships with several distinguished law schools.

Majors are prepared to pursue careers in any field that draws upon the strong analytic and communication skills, deepened perspective, and breadth of vision that come from the study of the past. Many Assumption History majors go on to enjoy successful careers in business, journalism, law, education, and public service.

Assumption history faculty provide a supportive environment in which each student is recognized and welcomed, and where students are appreciated for their contributions. We mentor and advise students with regard to internships, careers, and graduate study with a student’s unique talents and interests in mind. Faculty challenge students to think, read, speak, and write about some of the world’s most difficult problems. We also inspire with stories of strength, courage, determination, and achievement that help a student discern their own life’s purpose.

History, as well as pre-law students, are strongly encouraged to participate in an internship. Here in Central Massachusetts, we’re surrounded by businesses, nonprofit organizations, historic sites, government offices, and legal organizations. For those students who prefer to venture farther, Boston and Providence are less than one hour from campus – we’ve even had students intern abroad.
- The Assumption history program was independently recognized as a top value program in America.
- The Assumption run Adverts 250 Project placed second in a national competition for web-based history programs in America.

Program Contact

Irina Mukhina, Ph.D

Associate Professor of History

508-767-7024 imukhina@assumption.edu Founders Hall - Room 106

An Ideal Place To Learn

100%

All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants

92%

2020 History graduates employed or in graduate school within six months

13:1

Student/Faculty ratio

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Program Curriculum

Major

The major in history consists of 11 courses in the discipline. One of those must be a research seminar, usually taken in the junior or senior year. The seminar is taken in conjunction with a pro-seminar (a course that provides background and context for the research seminar).

Required Courses (11)

Historical Methods, History 400, introduces the skills, theories, and methods of historical scholarship to acquaint students with the historian’s craft and to prepare majors for the research seminar.

The seminar, HIS402WE, is taken in conjunction with a linked pro-seminar, HIS 401, which provides background and context for the seminar topic. The pro-seminar is taken in the same semester as the seminar, usually during the junior or senior year.

At least eight courses, with a minimum of one from each of the three groups

Group I European History

HIS 202	Ancient Rome
HIS 208	Early Medieval Europe
HIS 209	Late Medieval Europe
HIS 230	Renaissance Europe
HIS 231	European Reformations
HIS 235	France since 1789
HIS 241	Russia: Pre-Revolutionary Period
HIS 242	Russia since 1917
HIS 272	Germany since 1890
HIS 306	Rise and Decline of European Primacy
HIS 310	Diplomatic History of Europe in the 20th Century
HIS 312	Women in Europe
HIS 332	Baroque Europe, 1600-1789
HIS 337	Christian Mystics
HIS 338	Classics of Spiritual Direction

Group II North American History

HIS 257	History of Canada
HIS 258	Colonial America
HIS 267	American Foreign Relations since 1776
HIS 285	Women’s Studies I: Images
HIS 362	Civil War and Reconstruction in the United States
HIS 313	Women and the American Experience
HIS 359	Revolutionary America, 1763-1815
HIS 363	Vietnam War
HIS 366	Vocations in Public History
HIS 368	Cold War
HIS 370	Immigration and American History since 1815

Group III World History

HIS 250	Colonial Latin America
HIS 251	Latin America since 1821
HIS 252	Religion in Colonial Latin America
HIS 254	North American Indian
HIS 255	From Contact to Casinos: Interactions with Indians in North America
HIS 265	Peace Studies
HIS 282	Japan since 1868
HIS 283	Modern China: War and Revolution
HIS 290	Islamic Middle East I (to 1800)
HIS 291	Islamic Middle East II (since 1800)
HIS 383	From Jesus to Muhammad: The Near East in Transition
WMS 385	Women of the World

Two other courses from Departmental offerings

Electives

While history majors may take up to 14 courses in history, they are urged to take courses in other disciplines in order to broaden their liberal arts backgrounds. Students intending to pursue graduate work should note that a reading knowledge of French, German, Spanish, or other foreign languages is often required of doctoral candidates and in some cases of master’s candidates.

Other Recommendations

Internships for credit are available for history majors. The interdisciplinary American Studies Seminar of the American Antiquarian Society and five Worcester colleges is available on a competitive basis to outstanding Assumption students from across the disciplines every fall. This seminar fulfills the seminar and pro-seminar requirement for history majors. It counts as a Writing Emphasis (WE) course and also fulfills the methods course requirement for history minors.

Course Descriptions

The minor in history consists of 6 courses. These courses cover the gamut from ancient Rome to Asian history to 20th Century America.

Required Courses

HIS 400: Historical Methods (Minors in history may choose the option of taking a seminar rather than a methods course.
- At least one course from Group I (above).
- At least one course from Group II (above).
- At least one course from Group III (above).
Two other courses from Departmental offerings.

Course Descriptions
- Academic Catalog & Advising Guide
- Minor in History Course Descriptions
For students interested in becoming history teachers at the middle or high school level, Assumption University offers a state-approved teacher preparation program for history in grades 5–8 or 8–12. Such students should major in History with a concentration in Middle (grades 5–8) or secondary (grades 8–12) education. Students who are interested in obtaining a teaching license in history should meet with the education program coordinator by their second semester to acquire information about applying to the education concentration.

Course Descriptions
- Academic Catalog & Advising Guide
For students interested in becoming history teachers at the elementary school level, Assumption University offers a special track towards a double major in history and education. The education track in history consists of two core courses in world history (History 114 and 115); one core course in US history (history 180 or 181); one Group I (European) course at the 200 level or higher; one Group III (World) course at the 200 level or higher; history 400 (Historical Methods); EDU 323 (history and social science in the Elementary Curriculum); and three additional history electives at the 200 level or above. Students who are interested in pursuing this opportunity should meet with the education program coordinator by their second semester to acquire information about applying to the education concentration.

Course Descriptions
- Academic Catalog & Advising Guide
- Double Major in History and Education Course Descriptions
American Studies Seminar at the American Antiquarian Society

Each fall, the American Antiquarian Society and five Worcester Colleges sponsor an American Studies research seminar at the Antiquarian Society. The seminar is conducted by a scholar familiar with the Society’s world-renowned holdings in early American history and culture, and the seminar topic is related to his or her field of research. Selection is highly competitive. The participating students are chosen by a screening committee made up of representatives of the five participating colleges: Assumption University, Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Worcester State College. The seminar topic and research methods combine several disciplines, and students from a wide variety of majors have participated successfully in this unique undergraduate opportunity. Follow the student blog

Moggio Essay Prize

The Moggio Essay Prize goes to the Assumption students who, in the opinion of a committee of the history faculty, write the best history essay and a historical research paper in the preceding two semesters. The research paper winner receives a $75 book coupon and certificate, and the essay winner receives a $50 book coupon and certificate. The awards are presented each spring during the Phi Alpha Theta initiation and are also mentioned during the Honors Convocation ceremony. Students and faculty are encouraged to submit copies of essays during the year for consideration.

Research Assistantships

Funding may be available for research assistantships for advanced students engaging in collaborative research with an Assumption faculty member. Topics and responsibilities may vary according to the program of research. For an example, follow the student blog.

Honors Convocation

Each year the department awards a prize at Honors Convocation in the Spring Term for the graduating History Major with the highest GPA and record of achievement.

Assumption University Undergraduate Research Symposium

Each year in the spring term, history students take part in presenting their research at a public conference. Students are especially encouraged to present their research projects from History department's seminar and pro-seminar and the American Studies Seminar at the American Antiquarian Society, as well as projects they develop while working as research assistants with History faculty.

Phi Alpha Theta Membership

Acceptance into this national history honor society exposes students to the continuing study of history through shared research, discussion, and guest lectures. There are also opportunities to participate in local and national honor society conferences.

Study Abroad Opportunities for History Majors

During the fall and spring semesters, and over the summer, many of Assumption’s history students travel the world while taking part in exciting study abroad programs. View the recent testimonials of history majors Rebecca Petty, David Paradise and Christine Delany, and visit the web pages for Study Abroad to learn more. Since the Spring of 2013, students also have the opportunity to study at Assumption’s Rome Campus.

Faculty

Irina Mukhina, Ph.D Department Chair, History Associate Professor of History

John Frederick Bell, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of History

Stuart J. Borsch, Ph.D Associate Professor of History

Leslie P. Choquette, Ph.D Professor of History Côté Professor of French Studies Director of the French Institute

Deborah L. Kisatsky, Ph.D Associate Professor of History Director of Peace Studies

Lance G. Lazar, Ph.D Associate Professor of History Director, Medieval & Early Modern Studies

Shawn M. Lynch, Ph.D

Adjunct Faculty

Melinda Marcchand

Adjunct Faculty

Melinda Marchand

Adjunct Faculty

Carl Robert Keyes, Ph.D Professor of History Department Chair, History Department Chair, Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies Pre-Law Advisor

Thomas P. Wheatland, Ph.D Associate Professor of History

Experiential Learning

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Career Paths

A history degree prepares you for a wide variety of fields, including law, international business, management, marketing, teaching, government, library services, archival and museum work, publishing, journalism, media relations, and more.

Boston Public Schools

Endicott College

Johnson and Johnson

Lasell College

Law Firms in New England and New York

MFS Investment Management

Nashua High School

Social Security Administration

State Street Bank and Trust

United States Army

Wachusett Public Schools

Worcester Public Schools

Xaverian Brothers High School

Megan Watts

History 2019
Research Experience with the American Antiquarian Society

My time at Assumption has given me priceless skills and experience.

The liberal arts education enabled me to analyze and solve problems from different perspectives. Instead of just studying the approach of the historian, I now have experience in applying philosophical, scientific, and lingual approaches to my life.

Mia-Michelle Russell

Art History 2015
Senior Museum Educator and Art Educator, New York Historical Society / Resident Curator, Canaan Baptist Church of Christ

Assumption has prepared and molded me for success in all aspects of my unique field.

I am thankful for the transferable skills that I've developed in art, art history, and history, and for my professors teaching me how to make art history fun, fascinating, and engaging!

Samantha Surowiec

History 2021
Researcher, American Antiquarian Society; Research Fellow, Assumption Honors Program

Assumption is a place where you will grow as a student, a person, and a member of society.

With the guidance and encouragement from faculty and my peers, it was possible for me to participate in incredible research and fellowship opportunities. I was able to reach my fullest potential as a student and will carry with me so many invaluable experiences.

Michael Turaj

Political Science 2020
Intern, World Affairs Council of Connecticut

I had the esteemed opportunity to attend the World Affairs Councils of America Conference in D.C.

My ambition for a career in global affairs was enhanced by this opportunity to mingle and learn from like-minded peers, including Chuck Hagel, former Secretary of Defense. Assumption encouraged me and helped me achieve this dream and be 1 of 27 students from the U.S. chosen!

Mary Katherine Petterson

Education 2016
Teacher, Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy / Pursued a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Boston College Lynch School

Assumption prepared me better than I could have ever imagined.

From rigorous training in planning for all academic subjects as well as ample field experience, I felt extremely prepared to enter the professional world. Professors challenge you while also serving as mentors. They guided me to where I am today.

Shining Their Light

Megan Watts

History 2019
Research Experience with the American Antiquarian Society

My time at Assumption has given me priceless skills and experience.

The liberal arts education enabled me to analyze and solve problems from different perspectives. Instead of just studying the approach of the historian, I now have experience in applying philosophical, scientific, and lingual approaches to my life.

Mia-Michelle Russell

Art History 2015
Senior Museum Educator and Art Educator, New York Historical Society / Resident Curator, Canaan Baptist Church of Christ

Assumption has prepared and molded me for success in all aspects of my unique field.

I am thankful for the transferable skills that I've developed in art, art history, and history, and for my professors teaching me how to make art history fun, fascinating, and engaging!

Samantha Surowiec

History 2021
Researcher, American Antiquarian Society; Research Fellow, Assumption Honors Program

Assumption is a place where you will grow as a student, a person, and a member of society.

With the guidance and encouragement from faculty and my peers, it was possible for me to participate in incredible research and fellowship opportunities. I was able to reach my fullest potential as a student and will carry with me so many invaluable experiences.

Michael Turaj

Political Science 2020
Intern, World Affairs Council of Connecticut

I had the esteemed opportunity to attend the World Affairs Councils of America Conference in D.C.

My ambition for a career in global affairs was enhanced by this opportunity to mingle and learn from like-minded peers, including Chuck Hagel, former Secretary of Defense. Assumption encouraged me and helped me achieve this dream and be 1 of 27 students from the U.S. chosen!

Mary Katherine Petterson

Education 2016
Teacher, Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy / Pursued a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Boston College Lynch School

Assumption prepared me better than I could have ever imagined.

From rigorous training in planning for all academic subjects as well as ample field experience, I felt extremely prepared to enter the professional world. Professors challenge you while also serving as mentors. They guided me to where I am today.

see another

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Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.

Learn about financial aid

Sep 30 Sat

Tour, Tailgate, Touchdowns

Join us for a morning tour of our beautiful 185-acre campus that begins at the Admissions House and ends at the Brian Kelly '83 Stadium where you can enjoy some pre-game food and drinks at a special tailgate before our Greyhounds take on the Pace University Setters at a noon football game. The stude ... Read more about Tour, Tailgate, Touchdowns

Sep. 30, 2023

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Assumption University Campus

Oct 21 Sat

Admissions Fall Open House

Enjoy a fall day exploring the beautiful 185 acre campus of Assumption University at our Fall Open House! Please join our faculty, staff, and students to learn more about our admissions process, academic programs, student life, athletics and so much more. Prospective students and parents will have ... Read more about Admissions Fall Open House

Oct. 21, 2023

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Assumption University Campus

Nov 6 Mon

Erin Thompson, Art Historian

As America’s only professor of art crime, Dr. Erin Thompson will speak on her latest book, Smashing Statues: The Rise and Fall of America's Public Monuments.

Nov. 6, 2023

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Kennedy 112

Events

Sep 30 Sat

Tour, Tailgate, Touchdowns

Sep. 30, 2023

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Assumption University Campus

Oct 21 Sat

Admissions Fall Open House

Oct. 21, 2023

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Assumption University Campus

Nov 6 Mon

Erin Thompson, Art Historian

As America’s only professor of art crime, Dr. Erin Thompson will speak on her latest book, Smashing Statues: The Rise and Fall of America's Public Monuments.

Nov. 6, 2023

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Kennedy 112

View All Admission Events

Pathways to Success

Internships

All Assumption students can participate in the University’s internship programs and spend a semester gaining practical experience. There are two types of internships available to most Assumption students:

Academic internships, where students work with an academic advisor and the internship site
Career internships, which provide valuable experience but do not offer academic credit. This type of internship may be paid or unpaid and it generally occurs during or following the summer of the junior year

History students intern at a number of organizations such as the American Antiquarian Society, Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Historic Deerfield, National Park Service, Library of Congress and law firms throughout New England and Europe as well as with charitable initiatives in Latin America.

Graduate Schools

The study of History provides a foundation for careers in almost any field.

Graduates enter careers in education, business, journalism, public relations, teaching, insurance, government service, personnel work and many other fields that draw upon those analytic skills, deepened perspective and breadth of vision that comes from the study of the past and strong writing skills. They also enroll in graduate school or law school at prestigious institutions such as Boston College, Fordham University, Framingham State College, Penn State University, Saint Joseph’s College, University of Massachusetts – Amherst and the University of Rhode Island.

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History

When you study history at Assumption, you’ll choose from our breadth of offerings – from North American and European to Asian, Latin American and Middle Eastern history. Once you discover the area you love, you can explore it through engaging coursework and independent research opportunities.

History Program

An Ideal Place To Learn

All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants

2020 History graduates employed or in graduate school within six months

Student/Faculty ratio

Program Curriculum

Faculty

Experiential Learning

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

Study Abroad

Internships

Assumption's Rome Campus

Career Paths

My time at Assumption has given me priceless skills and experience.

The liberal arts education enabled me to analyze and solve problems from different perspectives. Instead of just studying the approach of the historian, I now have experience in applying philosophical, scientific, and lingual approaches to my life.

Assumption has prepared and molded me for success in all aspects of my unique field.

I am thankful for the transferable skills that I've developed in art, art history, and history, and for my professors teaching me how to make art history fun, fascinating, and engaging!

Assumption is a place where you will grow as a student, a person, and a member of society.

With the guidance and encouragement from faculty and my peers, it was possible for me to participate in incredible research and fellowship opportunities. I was able to reach my fullest potential as a student and will carry with me so many invaluable experiences.

I had the esteemed opportunity to attend the World Affairs Councils of America Conference in D.C.

My ambition for a career in global affairs was enhanced by this opportunity to mingle and learn from like-minded peers, including Chuck Hagel, former Secretary of Defense. Assumption encouraged me and helped me achieve this dream and be 1 of 27 students from the U.S. chosen!

Assumption prepared me better than I could have ever imagined.

From rigorous training in planning for all academic subjects as well as ample field experience, I felt extremely prepared to enter the professional world. Professors challenge you while also serving as mentors. They guided me to where I am today.

Shining Their Light

My time at Assumption has given me priceless skills and experience.

The liberal arts education enabled me to analyze and solve problems from different perspectives. Instead of just studying the approach of the historian, I now have experience in applying philosophical, scientific, and lingual approaches to my life.

Assumption has prepared and molded me for success in all aspects of my unique field.

I am thankful for the transferable skills that I've developed in art, art history, and history, and for my professors teaching me how to make art history fun, fascinating, and engaging!

Assumption is a place where you will grow as a student, a person, and a member of society.

With the guidance and encouragement from faculty and my peers, it was possible for me to participate in incredible research and fellowship opportunities. I was able to reach my fullest potential as a student and will carry with me so many invaluable experiences.

I had the esteemed opportunity to attend the World Affairs Councils of America Conference in D.C.

My ambition for a career in global affairs was enhanced by this opportunity to mingle and learn from like-minded peers, including Chuck Hagel, former Secretary of Defense. Assumption encouraged me and helped me achieve this dream and be 1 of 27 students from the U.S. chosen!

Assumption prepared me better than I could have ever imagined.

From rigorous training in planning for all academic subjects as well as ample field experience, I felt extremely prepared to enter the professional world. Professors challenge you while also serving as mentors. They guided me to where I am today.

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

Events

Pathways to Success

Internships

Graduate Schools

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