Christian History Colleges

By Calli Wolfenden, Staff Writer
 

What makes us who we are? What shaped the people we become? Essentially, our history. On a personal scale and on a societal scale, looking into the past reveals truth about who we are, how we got here, and can inform where to go from here. A history degree takes an in-depth look at the beginnings of civilizations, the path of wars, the results of decisions by countries, kingdoms, and individuals. Those who choose to major in history explore the past and where we’ve been to determine how we got here, and how to continue.

Choosing to major in history at a Christian college adds on top of the world history the understanding that our beginning is definable. Our beginning and the course of all history hinges on the God who created us, loves us, allows us freewill, and is with us, generation by generation. History is more than human events, it is a record of the glory of God and the ways man has triumphed, glorified God, failed, been forgiven, and learned. Choosing to major in history at a Christian college teaches you to see God working in the past and encourages you to learn from it and grow as He continues to work today.

Example careers for those who choose to major in history:

• Historian: Historians study past human experiences, preserving what is known about where we started, where we came from, and what shaped how we are today. They research primary sources, analyze historical events from as many perspectives as are available to them, and interpret the effect or influence it had. Much of what they do involves writing about their findings, publishing, and teaching it.
• Professor: Professors teach at the college level (or possibly higher). They inform students, lead discussions, assign and grade homework and essays, and promote understanding in their subject to the best of their ability. Because they teach at a high level, an even higher level of education is required of them, typically a master’s degree or PhD in their respective field.
• Archivist: Archivists are responsible for managing historical documents and records. They organize them, ensure that they are properly stored and preserved, and are accessible for use from those authorized. They may also analyze documents/records to determine their authenticity and importance. These documents may include letters, papers, photographs, manuscripts, and more. Archivists may work in libraries, government agencies, museums, or universities.
• Policy Analyst: Policy Analysts analyze the effectiveness of regulations, laws, and research public issues to inform lawmakers, organizations, and government entities. They propose solutions to issues of the public or issues with policies through collecting and interpreting data based on the effectiveness of current policies. They present their findings and recommend solutions through briefs or reports.
• Legislative Assistant: A Legislative Assistant works with politicians/lawmakers to support them in lawmaking and policy issues. They conduct research regarding policies, write memos and speeches, and meet with constituents, lobbyists, or stakeholders to gather input on policies and proposed regulations. Their role is highly supportive of the legislator.
• Writer: A writer works with written word, creating stories or composing works of fiction, non-fiction, journalism, novels, and much more. They take ideas, characters, and events, real or fake, and tell a story through description and other literary devices, meant to engage readers and entertain, inform, or persuade. Their work spans many different fields, including literature, history, business, communications, and politics.

Placement rates for the history degree are especially difficult to pin down, as a history degree lends itself to such a diversity of potential career fields. Many of those who choose to major in history end up in fulfilling careers that seemingly have little to do with history specifically, but utilize the skills that are required of a history major. Because of the great diversity in potential careers, there is also a lot of variation in salaries for those with a history degree. The median annual wage is right around $65,000. So, with so many available opportunities, how do you better prepare yourself for a career with a history degree?

If you know what specific career or even a vague direction you may want to take after college, tailor your history classes and internships (or other experience-gaining-opportunities) toward that goal. Gaining relevant experience and knowledge/skills during your college career is essential to prepare yourself for your desired future career, and shows potential employers that you are dedicated to your desired job.

As with all career paths, who you know is important. A large amount of available jobs are never posted, but instead filled through connections or mutual contacts. Collecting contacts in your internships, classes, and any networking or job fairs you may attend is a great way to build connections that can later land you a job or, at the very least, get your foot in the door. Networking with your professors is also a great idea, as they’ve been in the field of history and have many contacts of their own that you may benefit from. Plus, a recommendation from them, especially to someone in their own network, can go a long way (provided you made a good impression on your professors).

As previously stated, many of those who choose to major in history don’t necessarily end up in careers that are directly related to history, like historian or professor. Many end up in the business or communication world in positions that utilize the skillset that is gained through the rigorous coursework and study in the history degree. To that end, being naturally curious and thorough in your research is a necessary trait for someone pursuing a history degree. Critical and analytical thinking are key characteristics, as you’ll be reading and taking in a lot of information, and you’ll need to see beyond the surface and consider historical events from multiple points of view. Strong communication, both written and verbal, are par for the course with the history major, as essays, presentations, and written exams are not only present, but common. History is a research-intensive major, which means that so much of what you’re doing is collecting, analyzing, and reflecting on information from different sources about different historical events. As such, determination, patience, and a strong work ethic are needed to keep up with the coursework and prepare you for a career post-graduation. These characteristics will suit anyone with a history degree to any number of careers, whether in business, communications, education, or even ministry.

Work Cited:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Field of degree: History, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/field-of-degree/history/history-field-of-degree.htm (visited May 18, 2025).

By Calli Wolfenden, Staff Writer
 

The Bible is a historical account of all that God has done, and a promise of what He will do. It glorifies the Lord and reveals truth about who He is and who we are to us. And we are called to share it.

Psalm 78:4
“We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

Romans 15:4
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”

Those with a history degree have the gift of research, background knowledge, and often communication. These characteristics prepare individuals for discussion, teaching, and apologetics. The ministry opportunities are numerous for someone who can provide Church history, cultural background, multiple perspectives, and valuable insight to the significance of the way certain events in the Bible take place.

From teaching in a Pastoral setting to children’s church or Christian school, or even going out into the mission field, someone with a history degree can have immense impact and provide understanding to others about God in history. History, as it deals with multiple cultures and significant events that shape the way we are today, often allows its students a sense of empathy and understanding for other cultures. That can be very valuable in mission work and preaching or sharing the gospel in different places and communities. Often, that cultural empathy and awareness helps a person to know how to communicate or share the gospel in a way that is most effective in different settings.

Earning a history degree opens a variety of doors for potential careers, many of which may be unexpected but carry profound opportunities for impact. If you are naturally curious, a determined researcher, strong communicator, hard worker, and an analytical thinker, then perhaps the Lord is calling you to pursue a history degree at a Christian college!