Otterbein College

What you'll study

Students begin with 1000- and 2000-level courses, move to a sophomore methods and theory course, and complete the major with a senior research seminar. The program requires electives covering four geographic areas of specialty: Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. Learning goals include familiarity with historical approaches and contexts; locating and citing primary and secondary sources; constructing written historical arguments; and understanding professional and social applications of historical inquiry.

Entry requirements

The department’s curriculum sequence outlines course-level progression (1000-, 2000-, sophomore methods, senior seminar) and geographic-area electives; complete major requirements are listed in the Otterbein University Catalog. Students who wish to teach 7–12 social studies major in History while also completing Otterbein’s Integrated Social Studies Teacher Licensure Program in the Education Department.

Career prospects

A History degree prepares graduates for teaching; roles in public history, museums, libraries and archives; government service; journalism; nonprofit work; business; and for further study such as law school or graduate programs in history and related fields. Faculty advisors assist majors in developing career plans, and the department encourages preparation for middle and high school social studies teaching in conjunction with the Education Department.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The program page does not list specific scholarships. Students interested in funding, honors research, internships, or experiential learning should consult Otterbein’s general financial aid resources and departmental advisors for opportunities such as internships, Honors or Distinction research, and memberships like Phi Alpha Theta that can support academic visibility.