Study how people, ideas and events shape the human story
History is the study of how small and large events impact and create change. A major in history at Linfield develops your critical thinking, research and problem-solving skills while honing your ability to communicate with others. Nurture your curiosity and passion for the past via small, hands-on classes, student-faculty collaborative research projects, and in-depth writing projects focusing on a variety of historical topics. A History major prepares you for a swiftly changing job market and a wide variety of professional careers.
Curious whether this program is the right fit?
Share a little about yourself through our information request form to connect with an admission counselor and get answers about the history program.
What You Can Expect
Global and comparative perspectives on the past
Study regions including the United States, Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. You learn how different societies develop, interact and influence one another across centuries.
Training in historical research and interpretation
Develop skills in analyzing primary sources, evaluating evidence, constructing arguments and writing clearly. You learn how historians make sense of complex events and conflicting viewpoints.
Exploration of themes that connect past and present
Examine topics such as race, gender, religion, politics, war, migration, environment and culture. Coursework helps you understand how historical patterns shape contemporary issues.
Why Study History at Linfield?
History at Linfield fosters deep intellectual curiosity and the ability to interpret complex human experiences with nuance and care. Small, discussion‑driven classes create space for close reading, thoughtful debate and collaborative inquiry. Faculty mentorship supports students as they develop strong research habits, refine analytical writing and pursue individualized interests across global, thematic and interdisciplinary topics. The program’s emphasis on evidence‑based interpretation and clear communication equips students with versatile skills that translate across academic, civic and professional contexts.
Accolades & Rankings
#1 College in Oregon
- TIME Magazine
#1 Liberal Arts College in Oregon for Social Mobility
- U.S. News and World Report
#1 Best Value College in Oregon
- Niche
History Career Outlook
A history degree can open doors for your career
In 2024, the median annual wage for people with a history degree was $70,000, exceeding the national average of $49,500. While your income heavily depends on where you live, your level of education and the depth of your experience, enriching your expertise can help support your career growth and financial stability.
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Graduates pursue roles such as:
- Museum or archival professional
- Educator or curriculum specialist
- Public historian or cultural resource interpreter
- Policy or research analyst
- Journalist or communications specialist
- Government or nonprofit program coordinator
- Law, public service or graduate study pathways
What financial assistance is available?
Financing your college education can feel like a lot to manage, but 喵咪社区 is here to help make the process clearer and more manageable. Linfield’s Financial Aid Office offers personalized guidance from experienced counselors who can help you understand your options, plan ahead, navigate the and answer any questions along the way.
You can also plan ahead by estimating your cost of attendance using Linfield’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
喵咪社区 offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to help reduce the cost of college. When you apply for admission, you’ll automatically be considered for many Linfield scholarships. Additional scholarships are available based on academic interests, achievements, life experiences and personal background.
Learn more about available scholarships on Linfield’s Scholarships page.
Request more information
Have questions about studying history at Linfield? Reach out! We'd love to connect with you.
Sharon Bailey Glasco
Department Chair and Associate Professor
Pioneer Hall
503-883-2306
sglasco@linfield.edu
Department Chair and Associate Professor
Pioneer Hall
503-883-2306
sglasco@linfield.edu