The Department of History at Fairfield University is dedicated to teaching its students to understand today’s world through the study of the past. We examine and record the daily lives, conflicts, cultures, relationships, work, beliefs and morals of people throughout time.
The program introduces students to the broad spectrum of history. Here, students build their skills of reading, writing, and analyzing historical materials. We do not emphasize a particular region of the world or period of history, or a single way to interpret it, giving way to a wide range of ideas and approaches.
Our curriculum requires you to conduct research, analyze historical documents, and attend a wide array of seminars covering both modern and ancient history. Working collaboratively in small classes, along with an exciting faculty, you will hone the skills and outlook needed to succeed as a global citizen and future professional.
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History Major
For a 30-credit major in history students complete the following:
History Minor
For an 15-credit minor in history, students complete the following:
To ensure a well-planned and coordinated program, students are required to work closely with their history faculty advisor.
Educational Studies Minor
History majors and minors who elect a minor in Educational Studies and who have been admitted to the 5-year Integrated Bachelors-Masters Degree and Teacher Certification Program will fulfill the State of Connecticut content requirements for certification in Social Studies through their coursework for the History major or minor, plus 18 credits in other social sciences. Please consult with Dr. Cecelia Bucki in the Department of History and Dr. Patricia Calderwood in the Department of Educational Studies and Teacher Preparation, GSEAP, for additional information. See catalog entry for Program in Education.
Learning Outcomes for a History Major
The student majoring in History will be able to do the following:
See History course descriptions from our catalog for more information
The College of Arts and Sciences at Fairfield University is home to a vibrant community of engaged faculty, dedicated staff and budding scholars devoted to the process of invention and discovery and excited by the prospect of producing knowledge in the service of others. Meet the dedicated members of our History Department.
Qualified majors may complete an internship at a local historical site to gain real-world experience in archival work and public history research and writing, such as the:
All of the above provide training in research and library work and the opportunity to write an original research paper. Other internships are available through the College of Arts & Sciences.
A great range of career opportunities is open to history majors. Graduates have gone into many fields, including:
History students qualify for social-studies certification as secondary school teachers. Recent graduates have found jobs as:
Those seeking higher education have been admitted to the Ph.D. programs at:
and the J.D. programs at:
Learn more about how Fairfield's Career Planning Center can support your post-graduate goals, and how Fairfield's tight-knit alumni network can build career and mentoring opportunities that last a lifetime.
Name: Elizabeth Morena '15
Major/minor: History with a minor in education
Extracurricular Activities: Honors Program. Capstone Project: The Conversion of the Frankish King, Clovis, in the 5th Century. History Club.
Why did you choose to major in history?
I majored history because I've always loved to hear stories about people, places, and events of the past. Throughout my studies at Fairfield, I have learned to love history even more. I've been exposed to many different historical perspectives, and I have had the chance to study many different types of history. Through the great program and engaging history professors here at Fairfield, I have learned to think critically about the world. I have also had the opportunity to be President of the History Club, a fantastic way to interact with other history students and professors. Hosting cultural events, movie nights, and traveling to historical museums with the support of the History Department has brought history to life and has enhanced my experience here at Fairfield University. Overall, my decision to become a history major has led me to meet great people, and has enriched my academic experience. In the future, I hope to pursue an M.Ed, with a focus in secondary education and history. My extensive background in history through Fairfield has prepared me very well for my goal of becoming a high school history teacher.
Elizabeth Morena (2015) will be attending Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts, in its Teacher Education (grades 8-12 History) Fellowship.
Kelly Zrenda (2014) is moving on to an MA program in secondary education at the University of Connecticut. She plans to teach history at the secondary school level.
Emily Bower (2014) has been accepted to a nursing Masters program at Georgetown University. Her plan upon completion is to apply to their Ph.D. program in nursing. During the coming year, she will also be completing an application for a Fullbright fellowship to study healing and faith in Ireland.
Krissy Mullady '13 is the Business Development Coordinator for 21 Sports & Entertainment Marketing Group, Inc., in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Suleika Lopez (2013) has been accepted by Teach for America.
Julia Morrow (2013) has been accepted into a Ph.D. program history at Penn State University.
Colleen Reilly (2013) has been accepted into the New England School of Law in Boston Massachusetts.
Dan Risica (2013) will be starting Law School at Boston University.
Halimat Somotan (2012) has been accepted to a Ph.D. program in African History at Columbia University.
Marena Wisniewski (2012) recently interned at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City and will be starting an advanced degree program in historic preservation at Columbia University.
Laura Leigh Neville (2011) has been accepted to the Master’s program in European and Russian Studies at Yale University.
Monique Gordon (2010) taught English in China for two years and is currently enrolled in a Master’s program at St. Johns in New York City.
Geoffrey Staysniak (2010) participated in a Jesuit Service program and taught English in China for two years and recently has been accepted into the graduate school for library and information sciences at Simmons College in Boston.
Chris Staysniak (2010) recently interned at Commonweal Magazine and is currently enrolled in the graduate program in history at Boston College.
Meaghan Bradley (2010) is enrolled in a special medical school program at Harvard.
Sean Greaney is pursuing graduate studies in economics at University of Connecticut.