History and Political Science

Gather evidence, engage with texts and artifacts, and draw connections between the past, the present, and the future in courses with an American, European, and/or Non-Western focus.

Take courses like

• The British Empire
• Historical Method
• History of the United States 1-2
• Public Policy
• Seminar in American History
• Seminar on Britain and the End of Empire
• Seminar in Early Modern Europe

Pursue a career in

• Public records, archives, or museums
• Strategic communication
• Banking, economics, or finance
• Ministry or missions

Combine history or political science with courses in philosophy and the social sciences to prepare for law school.

Take courses like

• American Constitutional History
• Argumentation and Persuasion
• Business Law
• Criminology
• Ethics
• Law and Capitalism
• Media Law
• Public Policy
• Social Problems

Develop crucial analytical skills and knowledge of government that will make you an excellent agent in the political world.

Take courses like

• American Constitutional History
• The American Presidency
• Art and Archaeology of Angkor
• Cambodia: Revolution and Genocide
• Classics of Political Thought
• Ethics
• Law and Capitalism
• Seminar in U.S. Contemporary Politics

Pursue a career in

• Law or politics
• Government administration
• Business or entrepreneurship

Critically consider the world beyond your own experience in meaningful ways.

Take courses like

• Agroecology
• Art and Archaeology of Angkor
• Cambodia: Revolution and Genocide
• Cultural Anthropology
• Development and Sustainability
• Environmental Resources
• Intercultural Communication
• Population Studies
• Principles of Macroeconomics

Pursue a career in

• Government
• Ministry or missions
• Humanitarian organizations

Help new generations encounter history in meaningful ways and shape the future. As a history education major, you will receive rigorous training in history while gaining comprehensive experience in a series of courses, field experiences, and classroom experiences.

You will

• Learn skills in hands-on practical experiences every semester
• Complete a three-week full-day practicum as well as a number of other observation and participation hours in the actual classroom before you ever begin student teaching
• Gain exposure to different grade levels and styles of teaching and learning

The archaeology minor offers students a sampling of courses in the study of archaeology and allied fields such as anthropology, art, Bible and religion, film, and history. When paired with a major such as history, this minor offers a solid foundation for students to continue their education in archaeology and related fields. 

If you want to make a difference in the future, study the past. Approach your education with this mindset, and your career has the potential to be meteoric. By learning both content and process, students with a history minor are encouraged to become problem solvers.

The HU history program places a strong emphasis on three things:

• Studying history as a means of improving your cultural literacy
• Striving to understand your own worldview and that of others
• Acquiring a mastery of critical historical methodology — that is, understanding how historians work

Huntington University graduates are competitive contenders for admission into law school. Alums have attended such notable grad schools as Notre Dame, IU Bloomington, and Marquette. With a minor in legal studies, you are prepared for a smooth transition to law school or a career in the legal profession. This minor supplements your major by giving you increased understanding of the law and the American legal system.

Museum studies (sometimes called museology) offers you the opportunity to study a unique blend of history and art courses so you are well prepared to enter the museum field. To complete this minor, students must participate in internship experiences in one of three local museums or pursue an internship at the museum of their choice.

A background in museum studies opens doors to a career in history-based museums, such as the Great Lakes Museum of Military History, the History Center, the Indiana Medical History Museum, or the Indiana State Police Museum. It also enables you to pursue a career in art museums like the Indianapolis Museum of Art or the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. 

A minor in political science will add perspective and value to your major by helping you develop crucial analytical skills and knowledge of government that will make you an excellent agent in the political world.

Refugee studies examines the political and legal status of displaced people and groups through topics such as human rights, political advocacy, ethnic identity, religious and social conflict, migration, and asylum policies. 

This multidisciplinary minor combines courses in political science, development studies, international relations, human geography, peace studies, and sociology to form a wide knowledge base that enhances opportunities for students who have an interest in humanitarian and societal issues. 

HU’s refugee studies minor is one of few programs like this in the United States. Though the topics covered by this minor are becoming part of a global conversation, refugee studies programs have, until recently, been limited to the United Kingdom and Australia.

The S. G. Whittle Johnston Memorial Award in History

The S.G. Whittle Johnston Memorial Award in History has been an annual academic award since 2003. It was established by a 1989 Huntington University history alumna to honor the memory of Dr. S.G. Whittle Johnston, professor of international relations at the University of Virginia and the donor's mentor, graduate advisor, and personal friend. By funding this award, the donor wishes to encourage upper-level history students in their study of history. The award is given to the junior or senior history major who submits the most outstanding work of original scholarship as decided by department faculty. The winner receives a plaque and a significant cash award.

The Ron Frank Memorial Endowment in History

The Frank Fund was established in 1973 to honor the memory of Ron Frank, an HU history major who passed away during the spring semester of his senior year. Donors desire to provide financial assistance to history majors while also memorializing Ron Frank. The endowment funds three awards:

• The Ron Frank History Travel Award provides up to $500 per student for costs associated with attendance and participation at scholarly meetings. Students who are interested in attending a scholarly conference or convention are invited to apply for these awards in advance of the event.
• The Jack P. Barlow, Sr., History Book Prize provides $200 worth of books to the outstanding student(s) in the department's senior seminar classes.
• The Ron Frank Memorial Award for Outstanding Scholarship in History is awarded to graduating history majors who graduate summa cum laude (cumulative GPA of 3.85 or higher). The honor consists of a plaque and a cash award.

Formed in 2009, the Centre for Non-Western Studies aims to increase student knowledge and understanding of the world outside of the United States. The Centre combines, but is not limited to, the fields of Bible and religion, business, English, history and political science, ministry and missions, TESOL, social work, and sociology.

The Conference on Faith & History is a community of scholars exploring the relationship between Christian faith and history. This biennial event is regularly attended by HU history and political science students and faculty. Not only do students attend this event, but many present papers. In that same vein, faculty don't simply attend this event; they chair panels and participate as commentators. 

Eunomia (the Greek word for “good order” or “governance according to good laws”) is Huntington University’s student pre-law organization. The group consists of students interested in the legal profession, law enforcement, criminal justice, public affairs, contemporary politics, human rights, conflict resolution, ethics, and public policy.

The Department of History and Political Science consistently showcases its dedication to its students. One of the more recent examples of this is the addition of the History Laboratory. Located next to the history and political science faculty offices, this space is part meeting space, part study lounge, part library. With a trove of donated history literature at their disposal, students are able to gain a sense of confidence and comfort with the research.

The HU Development & Sustainability blog takes its name from the introductory course in the international and development studies program, “Development and Sustainability.” This blog is designed to keep readers up to date on program news as well as sustainability and placemaking initiatives on campus and through HU faculty and students around the world.

Complete local or national internships with judges, legislatures, political campaigns, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and more. Study abroad in Washington, D.C., Costa Rica, England, China, Russia,
or Egypt.

Teaching is our faculty’s first priority, but they also manage to publish incredible academic work. Besides completing personal research projects, faculty often ask students to serve as co-editors or collaborators on research and publications.