Learn from the past to define the future.
Overview
McPherson offers a major in history, a major in history and politics and a minor in history. Our program helps you explore the human experience and gather context on the perception of history while strengthening writing and research skills.
You’ll learn how history flows out of the decisions made during crucial points throughout time in your classes through the lens of historic decision-makers. A strong basis in history provides value in whatever career setting you pursue – museums, courtrooms, classrooms, government offices and more. It’s also a broad program that prepares you for post-graduate education.
Majors
History
To prepare graduates for careers and post graduate education in history, museum studies, law, archival work, and related fields.
Politics and History
To prepare graduates for careers and post graduate education in politics, government, law, library science and related fields.
Featured History & Politics Student Story
Additional Programs
Minor
History
Teaching Licensure
History for Teaching Licensure (6-12)
Experiences & Outcomes
Phi Alpha Theta
A professional society whose mission is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians
Phi Alpha Theta
Faculty & Staff
Kerry Dobbins Ph.D.
- Professor of History
- “For many of us (myself included) our experience with history classes before college consisted of memorizing names and dates. It was only years later that I discovered that no professional historian does this. My promise to my students is that I will never ask them to do something that I don’t do in my own work. History isn’t about names and dates, it’s the way to ask questions about the past and find the best answer. That’s what I want my students to learn.”
Ken Yohn Ph.D.
- Professor of History
- “When I was 10 years old I walked down the creek behind my grandfather’s farm, turned over a rock, and caught a crayfish. I recall holding the crayfish with both curiosity and wonder, and this has become my ideal for education. Education works best when it arises from our natural curiosity about the world around us, and when it produces both knowledge and joy.”
