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History

Develop research, writing, communication, and critical thinking skills through historical inquiry, discussion-based learning, and faculty mentorship while preparing for careers in law, education, public service, ministry, business, and graduate study.

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Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts in History | Bushnell University | Eugene, Oregon

The History degree program at Bushnell University helps you understand how historical events, cultures, and ideas continue to shape today’s world. Through coursework in U.S. History, World History, and the History of Christianity, you’ll strengthen your skills in research, writing, analysis, communication, and critical thinking while learning how to evaluate complex historical and contemporary issues from multiple perspectives.

Designed for students pursuing careers in law, education, ministry, public service, business, nonprofit leadership, and graduate study, the program combines discussion-based learning, faculty mentorship, internships, and hands-on research experiences. You’ll learn how to communicate clearly, analyze evidence thoughtfully, and apply historical understanding to modern challenges while developing adaptable skills valued across many professional fields.


This program is designed for students who want to better understand the people, ideas, cultures, and events that have shaped societies across time while developing strong research, writing, and communication skills.

You’ll explore U.S. History, World History, and the History of Christianity while strengthening your abilities in analysis, historical inquiry, argumentation, and critical thinking. Through discussion-based learning, internships, research projects, and faculty mentorship, you’ll build transferable skills that prepare you for careers in law, education, ministry, business, public service, nonprofit leadership, and graduate study.

Student speaking during presentation featuring historical photo in slideshow

Why Choose History at Bushnell?

Practical skills. Historical perspective. Career-focused preparation. Bushnell’s History program helps you develop the research, writing, communication, and analytical thinking skills employers and graduate programs value across many industries.

You’ll learn from faculty specializing in U.S. History, World History, and the History of Christianity who bring historical scholarship, current research, and personalized mentorship into every classroom experience. Small class sizes allow you to engage in meaningful discussion, receive individualized feedback, and strengthen your ability to think critically, analyze evidence, and communicate effectively.

Experiential learning is integrated throughout the program through internships, research projects, capstone work, and pathway opportunities in areas such as Pre-Law and secondary education. These experiences help you apply historical thinking in professional settings while preparing for careers in law, education, ministry, public service, business, cultural institutions, and graduate study.

36

upper-division history credits across U.S., World, and Christian history

2

built-in career pathways including Pre-Law and Secondary Teaching Licensure (MAT)

100%

of History students complete a senior capstone research project before graduation

History major showcasing historical publications during a research presentation

Internship Experience

Learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. Through internships and applied learning experiences, you’ll gain hands-on experience with museums, schools, law offices, government agencies, libraries, nonprofit organizations, and community partners while applying historical thinking in real-world settings.

Whether you’re conducting research, working with archival materials, supporting educational programs, or exploring careers in law, public service, ministry, or cultural institutions, you’ll strengthen research, writing, communication, and analytical skills in professional environments.

Guided by faculty and workplace mentors, these experiences help you build professional confidence, explore career pathways, and better understand how historical understanding shapes communities, cultures, and contemporary issues.

History major showcasing historical publications during a research presentation

What You’ll Study

How the Curriculum is Structured

The History curriculum at Bushnell University combines historical inquiry, research, writing, and discussion-based learning to help you better understand the people, cultures, and events that continue to shape the modern world. You’ll build strong analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills while studying U.S. History, World History, and the History of Christianity across multiple historical perspectives and time periods.

Coursework includes American history, global history, Christian history, philosophy, cultural studies, historical research methods, and discussion-based seminars designed to strengthen research, writing, and argumentation skills. You’ll also complete internships, electives, and a senior capstone project connecting classroom learning with original research and practical application.

Experiential learning opportunities such as internships, faculty mentorship, and pathway options in areas like Pre-Law and secondary education help you apply historical thinking in professional and community settings before graduation.

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Pathways

Secondary Teaching Licensure (MAT Pathway)

Interested in teaching history? Bushnell offers a streamlined pathway into secondary education through the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program.

History students preparing for careers in education receive advising, faculty mentorship, and coursework guidance that supports a smooth transition into the MAT program. Students gain opportunities to strengthen communication, leadership, and classroom preparation skills while building a strong foundation for teaching history at the middle and high school levels.

Graduates who complete the MAT program earn both an Initial Teaching License and a master’s degree while preparing to inspire the next generation of learners.


Pre-Law Pathway

Interested in law school or a legal career? Bushnell’s Pre-Law Pathway helps History students build the research, reasoning, writing, and communication skills needed for success in law school and the legal profession.

Students receive personalized advising and faculty mentorship while exploring coursework in argumentation, logic, public speaking, business, and critical thinking. Through internships, discussion-based learning, and hands-on experiences, students strengthen their analytical abilities and prepare for careers in law, public policy, advocacy, and related fields.

Skills You’ll Gain

Through Bushnell’s History program, you’ll develop practical, transferable skills including:

History professor presenting archival photographs and historical artifacts during a university history exhibit

Widget (Careers and Skills)

Female student headshot with a rustic background
“Bushnell’s History program helped me grow both academically and professionally through challenging coursework, thoughtful discussion, and faculty who genuinely invested in my success. The program strengthened my research, critical thinking, and communication skills while preparing me for my future career goals.”
Emmalee Rusk ’21
Professional headshot of a male student in a blue shirt with glasses
“I chose Bushnell because of the small class sizes and personal connections with professors. Studying History helped me better understand the world around me while strengthening my ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and learn from the past in meaningful ways.”
Cameron Binaley ’22

Frequently Asked Questions?

Contact Us

Office of Admissions

Have questions about Bushnell’s History program? An admissions counselor can walk you through requirements, discuss transfer credits, and help you figure out your next step.

History professor presenting archival photographs and historical artifacts during a university history exhibit

Stephen Andes
Professor of History


View Bio

Our faculty and staff are 100% committed to your learning and invested in your success.
Come learn with us!

History in Action

History comes alive through hands-on learning experiences that connect research, communication, and storytelling. At Bushnell, you’ll create podcast episodes, interactive exhibits, presentations, and research projects that help people better understand historical events, cultures, and ideas in engaging and accessible ways.

Through ACE Day projects, classroom collaborations, and public history experiences, you’ll work with primary sources, archival materials, and historical evidence while learning how to present research clearly and creatively. Projects like the Bushnell Sports History Pop-Up Museum explore how sports, culture, identity, and community have shaped both campus life and society while helping students strengthen research, writing, communication, and presentation skills.

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The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.

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Next Steps

Interested in becoming a part of the Beacon community? We’re here to answer questions and help you see if Bushnell is right for you.