History
What You'll Study
The History program at LHU uses social science research tools and integrates a multitude of disciplinary approaches such as sociology, geography, anthropology, political science, economics, philosophy, and humanities. Advanced study is available in African, Asian, European, Latin American, and U.S. histories. Topics covered include:
- Colonial America
- Nationalism in Asia
- Contemporary World Problems
The public history concentration will introduce you to opportunities in fields such as architectural and oral history, museum studies, and historic preservation. Recent graduates have been admitted to the Historic Preservation program at Tulane School of Architecture, Pepperdine University School of Public Policy, and the University of Vermont Law School. Topics covered include:
- Oral History
- History and Preservation of American Architecture
- Historiography


Program Highlights
- Internships: History faculty will work with you to develop a collaborative internship experience.
Recent internship placements include:
- Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission
- The Smithsonian Institute
- The National Park Service
- The Piper Aviation Museum
Internships in Washington and Harrisburg are available through LHU’s affiliation with The Harrisburg Internship Semester (THIS) and The Washington Center (TWC).
- Scholarships: From honorariums to full-tuition waivers, scholarships exist to reward your hard work and dedication to the major. Find more information here.
- Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society: Lock Haven University's chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society, meets regularly throughout the fall and spring semesters and sponsors history-related events. Phi Alpha Theta provides students with professional development opportunities (such as attendance at and participation in regional and national conferences), and offers student members the opportunity to apply for prestigious awards and scholarships.
- Social Science Club: This club, open to any student, holds a number of activities both on and off campus.
From fundraisers and documentary viewing parties to political forums and field trips,
event highlights include:
- Fundraiser benefiting refugees in Sudan and Darfur
- Forums concerning election and health care issues
- Halloween Ghost Walk highlighting Lock Haven’s paranormal history
Typically, the club organizes an annual weekend-long trip to a historically or culturally significant location. Past destinations include: - Gettysburg
- Pittsburgh
- Washington, D.C.
- Philadelphia
- Baltimore
- Careers: The study of history provides ideal preparation for careers or graduate study in
law, public policy, business, theology, and education. Many recent graduates hold
positions in:
- Government
- Politics
- Journalism
- Non-profit organizations
- Higher Education
- Facilities: Faculty deliver courses in technology-enhanced classrooms with vast multimedia capabilities. Students can access open computer labs and campus wireless network when using personally-owned devices. Students can request technology resources from Stevenson Library, Media Services.