California Lutheran University’s History Department offers a challenging curriculum that explores all aspects of history. Lower division courses center on the acquisition of an introductory knowledge of the history of world civilizations and the United States and the core skills a historian needs to succeed in more specialized course work. Upper division courses offer students a variety of specialized classes, seminars and independent studies, which allow more in-depth exploration of specific topics. Faculty-led travel courses allow students to explore histories at the sites of their creation. In Cal Lutheran’s history courses, the faculty emphasizes the understanding of the diversity of human experience over time and encourages an appreciation of cross-cultural encounters. All history courses help to develop excellent research, writing, analytical and critical thinking skills. Students are also introduced to useful methods and the debates that surround the writing of history. History majors have the opportunity to participate in interesting internships as well as engage in projects that bring them to archives, libraries and other sources of primary data in Southern California. Students may also participate in student-faculty research projects that aid them in developing their own goals and research abilities. In keeping with Cal Lutheran’s emphasis on the use of information technology, the history faculty encourages students to develop facility with computer technology as an aid to research, data analysis, and explaining history to others. Cal Lutheran’s history majors are in demand in the public and private sectors because of their training as good writers, effective researchers, and perceptive analysts. The faculty is actively involved in mentoring students in career choices and avenues for professional development. Cal Lutheran’s program prepares students for graduate work in history and other social sciences, as well as careers in law, education, administration, museum studies, and journalism, among others.

History majors often pursue graduate work in the social sciences, law, and church vocations, but they are equally well prepared to begin careers in teaching, media reporting, library science, archival work, genealogy, public administration, and museum studies. Career Paths include- Editor Lawyer Assistant Curator City Manager Engineering Technician Deputy Commander, US Navy Archivist Educator Dean of Admissions Dramaturgist