North Park University: Christian - Urban

Why Study History?

Gain a better understanding of the world we live in by learning about the people and events that shaped our past. Through the study of different civilizations, you will learn important skills, including critical thinking and analysis, historical writing, evaluation of evidence, and historical argumentation--all of which will prepare you for graduate study or a career in education, public service, international relations, business, or law.

Why North Park?

Our program will develop your interests, perspectives, and skills in a way that helps you fully engage with our world. As you learn about world civilizations—from the United States and Europe to Africa and the Middle East—we’ll encourage your participation in internships and study abroad programs. Our classes also reflect North Park’s Christian, multicultural, and urban mission by teaching the history of Christianity, introducing diverse perspectives, and connecting coursework to Chicago.

Careers and Graduate Schools In History

Recent graduates have worked for the U.S. State Department, Archdiocese of Chicago Archives, Chicago Public Schools, Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center, and Pietisten Journal, or earned graduate degrees at Loyola University, Yale University, Boston University, York University, University of Washington, Rutgers University, Northwestern University, and more.

Research and Internships

From world-class museums to public and private libraries, Chicago is full of resources for research and internships. North Park students regularly conduct independent research on topics that range from Jane Addams’s founding of Hull House to the Chicago-style hot dog. History majors have completed internships at places like the Field Museum, Evanston Historical Society, Pritzker Military Museum, and the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Alumni Profile

Two recent history majors received prestigious Fulbright Scholarships—Michael Nelson C’11 taught English and history in Poland after an internship at the Polish Museum of America sparked an interest in the culture and language, while Ruth Blidar C’10 returned to her parents’ home country of Romania to teach English as a second language. Read more about their experiences.

Michael Nelson, History alumnus

Ruth Blidar, History alumnus

Meet the Faculty

North Park alumna Susan Rabe combines her passion for history with teaching and working with students, helping them prepare their for careers while fostering their intellectual, ethical, and social development.

Learn more about Professor Rabe and the history faculty.

Study Abroad

Many North Park history students study abroad, including at the prestigious University of Oxford, where they develop their academic writing and research skills at one of the oldest schools in the world, with opportunities to visit many historically significant sites. Learn more about your study abroad options.

Hahn Scholarship

History majors who desire to teach at the high school or college level can apply for the Virginia E. Hahn Memorial Scholarship. This award, endowed by the generosity of a lifelong history teacher, provides $5,000 or more per year for the duration of your studies at North Park, above and beyond other scholarships for which you qualify. Learn more.

Next Steps

Program Requirements