History and Philosophy Department
Why History?
The History and Philosophy Department's undergraduate program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the past while teaching important analytical skills, including: research, writing, communication, source evaluation, critical thinking, and analysis that enable students to succeed in a wide variety of careers.
A historical perspective is valuable in nearly every profession. History provides the essential background for understanding the roots of social issues and current global problems. We welcome all students to take our courses. You might even consider a minor in history!
Our extensive range of courses enables each student to choose classes that reflect their personal interests. In addition to survey courses in U.S. History, World History, and Western Experience, our faculty teach over 35 different specialized “electives” in the areas of U.S., European, Latin American, African, Middle Eastern, and World History. Examples of recent courses include: U.S. Constitutional History, Civil War & Reconstruction, U.S. Women’s History, U.S. Food & Spirit History, The Crusades, Rise of the Roman Republic, Drugs in Latin America, Contemporary Africa, The Modern Middle East, Museum Studies, History of Baseball, and Labor & Economic History.
Many history majors enroll in Westfield’s teacher licensure program for middle and secondary education. For those students, we additionally offer an M.Ed. in History. History majors may plan to attend graduate school in a variety of subjects, or pursue careers in business, library science, museums, historic preservation, or nonprofit administration, among others.
For those who prefer remote learning, we offer a terrific online history B.A. program. Since 2012, Westfield State University has consistently ranked in the top 15% of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Online Bachelor’s Program” rankings. In 2016, Westfield State was ranked #6 by CollegeChoice.net in the category “Best Online Liberal Arts Colleges for Bachelors Degrees.”
Contact us
Dr. Nicholas Aieta
Chair - History and Philosophy Department
Bates Hall 116A
Academic Programs
Post-Baccalaureate Licensure
Department Highlights
Mission:
The undergraduate history major is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the past while teaching important skills, including research, writing, communication, source evaluation, critical thinking, and analysis that enable students to succeed in a wide variety of careers. The department believes that a historical perspective is valuable in nearly every profession.
History provides the essential background for understanding the roots of social issues and current global problems to build a deeper understanding of our contemporary world by studying the past and present.
The department’s mission supports that of the university in a number of areas, including providing quality undergraduate education in the liberal arts and cultivating academic excellence through curriculum that emphasizes scholarly writing and research. We provide training and the development of skills that can lead to graduates becoming responsible leaders in the greater community as well as engaged citizens.