B.A. in History

To understand today’s world, we first have to understand yesterday’s world. In Biola’s history major, you’ll examine the key events, trends and worldviews that have shaped human civilization. As you develop research skills and historical perspective, you will be prepared for careers in government, journalism, teaching, law and more.

In addition to its strong curriculum, expert faculty members and biblical integration, Biola’s history program offers several key advantages:

Biola offers several off-campus programs that are ideal for history majors, including the Middle East Studies Program and the Scholars’ Semester in Oxford.

As a history major, you are eligible to become a member of the Phi Alpha Theta Honors Society, which promotes research, teaching and publication.
Biola’s location in Southern California — one of the world’s largest and most diverse metropolitan areas — is ideal for internships and job opportunities.

Concentrations

Civilizations of the Americas
The Americas have a complex history — a rich tapestry of cultures, stories and peoples. In the Civilizations of the Americas concentration, students unpack the beauty and tragedies that have shaped the United States, Mexico and Latin America to deepen their understanding and appreciation of how history informs the present and impacts the future.
Civilizations of the World
Discover how interconnected the history of the world truly is. In the Civilizations of the World concentration, students will trace the stories of nations from Europe and Asia to Africa and the Middle East. This broad survey provides deeper context for international issues, relationships and tensions that persist to the present day.
Secondary Instruction
For those interested in teaching History/Social Science at the high school level, this concentration provides coursework that, combined with successfully passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET), leads to a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in History/Social Science. The Secondary Instruction concentration consists of 42 credits.

The Professional Teacher Preparation Program leading to a California Teaching Credential at Biola University is subject to change in response to new legislation. Please see a credential analyst in the School of Education for current information on completing the requirements for a teaching credential. Students must consult with both their major advisor and a School of Education advisor.

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Courses

What will I study as a history major?

As a history major, you will become part of a community of insightful learners who love truth and who study history, political science and geography. Coursework will examine important religious, social, political and economic movements of human history, and aim to reveal God's dependability and redemption purposes throughout the world. Topic highlights include:

Ethical issues within Supreme Court cases
Comparing various civilizations and their cultural contributions
Research methods in history
Utilizing techniques of problem-solving
Specialized geographical studies
The value of history to a Christian worldview
Doctrines of God with reference to history of Christian theology

Bible and Theology Coursework

As part of Biola’s commitment to a biblically centered education, most undergraduate students complete 30 credits of biblical and theological studies as a part of their degree program. Learn more about our Bible and theology core.

Career Outlook and Preparation

What can you do with a Bachelor of Arts in History?

A degree in history provides exceptional preparation for careers in all levels of education, government, law and humanitarian organizations. You can expect to impact the world for Jesus Christ through professions such as:

Research or editorial assistant
Historical archivist
Lawyer or paralegal
Humanitarian journalist
Politician
Director of international relief programs
Educator
Missionary

In addition, Biola graduates from the history major have gone on to study at prestigious graduate schools such as the University of Southern California, Claremont Graduate University, University of Texas and Yale University.

6% job growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for historians is projected to be faster than average between 2023 and 2033.

BLS projections are not specific to Biola University students or graduates.

I chose to go to Biola for the community and how small the class sizes are. The fact that I graduated 7 years ago and I am still in contact with Professor Dewey, Professor Rood and Professor Christensen shows how much of an interest and mentorship the professors at Biola put toward their students. I liked that I was not just another number and that they came along side of me throughout my four years there. I appreciated the faith integration in each class as well.

Brittany Eaton

History Teacher
History (U.S. History), B.A. '11

Studying history at Biola has not only taught me about the context of the world we live in but also, I have grown in my appreciation of the sovereign hand of the Lord. All of history is in fact His beautifully and intricately planned story.

Natasha Storti

History, B.A. '16

More Alumni

Admissions

Admissions Process

Learn about Biola’s admissions requirements, steps to apply, application deadlines and more at our Undergraduate Admissions page.

Schedule a Visit

Learn more about this program by attending an upcoming event for prospective students and parents, or by scheduling a personalized visit.

Visit Biola

Tuition and Financial Aid

Attaining a degree from Biola is more affordable than you might think — dramatically lower than the “sticker price” in most cases — with 100% of incoming undergraduate students receiving some form of financial aid.

Faculty

Faculty Spotlight

Alicia Dewey

Professor of History

Ph.D., Southern Methodist University
J.D., Southern Methodist University
M.A., Southern Methodist University
B.A., Davidson College

Faculty Spotlight

Darin D. Lenz

Chair, Department of History

M.Th. University of Glasgow
Ph.D. Kansas State University
M.A. Villanova University
M.A. AGTS Evangel University
B.A. California State University, Bakersfield
A.A. Bakersfield College

Meet All Program Faculty

Learning Opportunities

American Studies Program

Founded in 1976, the American Studies Program has served hundreds of students as a "Washington, D.C., campus." ASP uses the District of Columbia as a stimulating educational laboratory where collegians gain hands-on experience with an internship in their chosen field and explore pressing national and international issues in public policy seminars that are issue-oriented, interdisciplinary and led by ASP faculty and D.C. professionals.

Middle East Studies Program

The Middle East Studies Program based in Cairo, Egypt, allows students to explore and interact with the complex and strategic world of the modern Middle East. The interdisciplinary seminars give students the opportunity to explore the diverse religious, social, cultural and political traditions of Middle Eastern people. In addition to seminars, students study the Arabic language and work as volunteers with various organizations in Cairo. Through travel to Jordan, Syria and Turkey, students are exposed to the diversity and dynamism of the region. MESP encourages and equips students to relate to the Muslim world in an informed, constructive and Christ-centered manner at a time of tension and change.

The Scholars’ Semester in Oxford

The Scholar’s Semester in Oxford is designed for students interested in completing intensive scholarship. Working with academic tutors, students advance their academic writing and research skills and explore the disciplines and interests of their choice. As visiting students of Oxford University and members of Wycliffe Hall, students have the privilege to study and learn in one of the university’s historic halls. SSO students enroll in a Primary and Secondary Tutorial, an Integrative Seminar and the course Christianity and Cultures. The SSO is designed for students interested in the fields of Classics, English & Literature, Theology & Religious Studies, Philosophy and History. Applicants are generally honors and other very high-achieving students and must have a 3.7 GPA to be considered for the program.

The American Historical Association

The American Historical Association(AHA) is the largest professional organization in the United States devoted to the study and promotion of history and historical thinking. Only the AHA brings together historians from all specializations and professions, embracing their breadth, variety and ever-changing activity. Its website includes helpful information for undergraduates about the study of history and possible careers in history. Please note in particular the article entitled "What Can You Do with That History Degree?"

The National Council on Public History

If you are interested in a career in public history, check out the National Council on Public History and follow them on Facebook or Twitter. NCPH advances the field of public history, promoting professionalism among history practitioners and encouraging historians' engagement with the public. It has a great list of master's and even Ph.D. programs in public history across the United States.

Conference on Faith and History

During your years at Biola, you will have the opportunity to be involved in The Conference on Faith & History. We hope as a member of our small community of Christian historians, you will take advantage of this opportunity. The conference's primary goal is to encourage excellence in the theory and practice of history from the perspective of historic Christianity, and is held to give scholars, like you, a chance to explore the relationship between Christian faith and history. As part of a university that seeks to integrate our faith into our studies and our lives, the history, government and social science department finds a natural partner in this conference, and seeks to be involved in its future growth development. Involvement includes:

Attending biennial conferences
Attending student research conferences
Attending a bi-annual one-day student conference; attendance for all students is highly encouraged
Seeking publication in the conference's journal, Fides et Historia