History, B.A.

What You’ll Learn 

Vermont State’s Bachelor of Arts in History program is designed to give you a broad perspective and advanced reflective capacity for thoughtful engagement with a diverse, complex modern world.  

In the program core, you’ll build a foundation in the discipline through the study of the work of a historian and survey courses in ancient, global, and US history. You’ll add the perspective of additional disciplines by selecting courses in economics, geography, and political science.  

While the required courses will cover a broad overview of global cultures and histories, you will take courses focusing on multiple geographical regions and diverse cultures throughout multiple historical periods. Electives will give you the chance to pursue your interests and dive deep into specialized areas. 

In your fourth year, you’ll practice your skills as a historian as you propose, research, write, and publicly present a substantial research paper that uses historical research to develop an original and historically significant thesis.  

Outside the Classroom, In the Community 

At Vermont State, you’ll find opportunities to explore and engage the world, adding to your learning and giving you the chance to develop research and other job-related skills.  

What does that look like in practice? Here are some recent examples: 

• History major Colin Alfred had his senior thesis published by the Rutland Historical Society. 
• Lyndon students presented at an international conference organized by Zhejiang University in China. 
• Students seeking their teaching licensure take part in a teaching practicum with area schools. 
• In 2021, the National Endowment for the Humanities awarded a $495,000 grant to support Castleton’s Granger House Museum and Learning Laboratory, where students regularly work and conduct research. 
• Students gained a unique perspective through study abroad programs in regions around the world. 

Special Facilities

• Granger House Museum and Learning Lab: Immerse yourself in historical research on the Castleton campus. There are numerous opportunities for paid internships where you’ll work on curation, research, exhibit development, and public outreach. 
• Innovation Lab: Acquire highly marketable skills with access to state-of-the-art 3D scanners, 3D printers, virtual reality technology, drones, and geographic information systems used in historical and archaeological research.