History Opportunities
Our history students reach to explore different opportunities...
Practical experience in fields related to the history major is an excellent way for students to evaluate their interest in a career, and begin developing professional skills and contacts that will enhance their marketability when seeking postgraduate employment.
On-campus activities:
Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society provide institutional recognition for our students' scholarly achievements.
Student Clubs include Historian's (the History Club), the Historian's Round Table, and the Socratic Club.
Independent Study can be conducted under direction of department faculty.
Undergraduate Research Conference give students a chance to present papers at professional meetings.
Off-campus opportunities:
Internships: Many internship opportunities exist at the national, state and local levels. Here are a few examples of history majors who gained practical experience in their field of interest:
British House of Commons
The Smithsonian Institution
National Park Service
The Washington Center
Somerset County Historical Center
Johnstown Flood Museum
Ebensburg Main Street Partnership
Altoona Railroaders Museum
Morristown (N.J.) National Historic Park
Saint Francis University Archives
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Embassy, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Pennsylvania General Assembly
Pennsylvania Rep. Haluska's Office
Portage Railroad
Department Capstone Experience: The department's curriculum has been designed so that students can develop a strong foundation in historical issues and methods while gaining skills needed to excel in careers and postgraduate programs. The capstone course builds on these skills. It offers seniors three opportunities to pursue projects tailored to their particular interests. They can write a thesis using original research, complete an internship with a government agency, local business, or archives or develop social studies programs at area high schools. Many of these capstone projects have received college and state-wide recognition for their excellence.
Study Abroad Programs: History majors are encouraged to participate in study abroad programs during a semester, an academic year or over the summer. Recently, students have attended such prestigious institutions as the Oxford University, Trinity College, Dublin and the University of Salzburg.
Students can also take advantage of the college's summer study programs in Quebec and Mexico. Saint Francis University is a member of the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad (CCSA), which offers intensive study programs in England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand and other countries during the summer and winter break.