History
February 3, 2022 2025-10-28 19:48History
History at Rocky Mountain College
At Rocky Mountain College, the study of history is both a deep dive into our past and a key to navigating the future. Our history program offers a flexible, dynamic curriculum grounded in careful reading, critical analysis, and clear writing. Whether you’re dreaming of law school, teaching, public service, or simply want to see the world more clearly, you’ll find a home here.
Seminar-style classes foster close collaboration with faculty and peers, encouraging lively discussion and original research. You’ll engage with courses spanning Montana’s heritage, the global context of world wars, indigenous resistance, revolutions, and more—preparing you to think independently and lead with an informed perspective.
Why Choose History at Rocky
A history degree at RMC is ideal for the curious, the analytical, and the ambitious. The program’s flexibility means you can shape your studies around your passions, exploring eras, movements, and regions from medieval Europe to recent America. With a minimal set of required courses and a wide array of electives, you have ample room to double major, minor, intern, or study abroad (including unique opportunities in Washington, D.C.).
Distinguished faculty bring unique expertise to seminar settings, guiding you through not only textbooks and primary documents but also the ethical and interpretive questions that shape our world. You’ll graduate prepared for advanced study or professional life—with skills in research, debate, and clear communication that employers value highly.
$57K
average annual pay for Bachelor’s Degree in History in Montana according to ZipRecruiter
Major and Minor Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the history program will:
- Demonstrate historical literacy in chosen fields and regions
- Interpret and analyze primary documents and historical evidence
- Evaluate and weigh different interpretations of the past
- Ask meaningful, significant historical questions
- Master the mechanics of historical research
- Communicate with clarity and purpose in writing and discussion
99%
of students receive scholarships or grants
88%
of students are placed in internships
Coursework and Requirements
The Bachelor of Arts in History requires only a small core of required courses, giving you maximum freedom to tailor your curriculum through electives. You’ll study foundational areas (American, European, and global history), then dig into topics like Montana’s legacy, world affairs, indigenous resistance, environmental history, and more. A capstone seminar rounds out your studies with original research or in-depth thematic exploration.
For those interested in teaching, History Education and Social Studies Broadfield Education pathways blend historical study with the coursework and student teaching needed for licensure.
Information
Majors:
History
History Education
Social Studies Broadfield Education
Minors:
History
History Education
Pre-Law
Faculty
Timothy Lehman, Ph.D.
Laura Vinson, PhD
Jenifer Parks, Ph.D.
- Contact
- Call: (406) 657-1026
- Text: (406) 606-6440
- Email: admissions@rocky.edu
Course highlights include:
Courses like History of Civilization introduce you to the broad sweep of global cultures and turning points, building the foundation for understanding our shared past. In America at War or Indigenous Resistance and Survival, you’ll grapple with questions of conflict, justice, and resilience, learning to interpret competing perspectives and develop empathy for diverse experiences.
Montana and the West brings history to life close to home, exploring the stories, challenges, and innovations unique to our region, while Environmental History reveals the deep connections between people and the land over time.
Explore Areas in History
Bachelor of Arts in History
The traditional History major is designed for students passionate about understanding the past in depth, with the freedom to choose topics and eras that fascinate them most. You’ll investigate American, European, and global history, select electives in areas like indigenous resistance, world wars, revolutions, or Montana’s unique legacy, and develop advanced skills in research, analysis, and persuasive writing. This path is excellent for anyone considering graduate study, law, research careers, museum work, publishing, or any field where analytical and communication skills matter.
Career Pathways:
Historian, Museum or Archive Professional, Policy Analyst, Legal Professions, Writer/Editor, Graduate Study
Bachelor of Arts in History Education
The History Education major is intended for students who want to share their love of history in the classroom. It combines a strong foundation in historical content—including in-depth study of American, European, and world history—with coursework in education and teaching methods. You’ll be prepared to teach middle or high school, inspire students, and develop curriculum—while meeting state licensure requirements.
Career Pathways:
Middle or High School Teacher, Social Studies Department Chair, Curriculum Specialist, Educational Consultant
Social Studies Broadfield Education Major
This major serves those who want to teach a full spectrum of social studies—history, government, and psychology—in smaller or rural school districts. You’ll receive a solid grounding in history (American, European, Montana/Western), plus extensive coursework in political science and psychology, all paired with professional education courses. It ensures you can guide students through diverse social sciences and adapt to varied teaching placements.
Career Pathways:
Broadfield Social Studies Teacher (grades 5–12), Rural School Educator, Multi-subject Curriculum Coordinator
Minor in History
The History minor is ideal for students majoring in another field who want to build strong critical thinking, analytical, and research skills. You’ll take courses across a range of topics and time periods (American, European, world, or regional history), and develop the ability to interpret evidence and marshal arguments. The History minor is valued in business, law, policy, communications, and beyond.
Pair With:
- Environmental Science: for careers in environmental policy, conservation, or sustainability, offering insight into the historical forces behind current issues.
- Political Science: for careers in law, government, advocacy, or policy analysis, adding essential context and critical research skills.
- English: to strengthen writing, research, and storytelling for roles in editing, publishing, or reporting.
- Education: to be able to teach additional subjects and bring richer historical context to classroom discussions.
- Business or Economics: to boost analytical thinking and provide cultural/historical perspective for leadership roles or global markets.
- Communication or Sociology: for enhanced ability to analyze sources, arguments, and the evolution of ideas within society—vital for work in media, public relations, or social outreach.
Minor in History Education
The History Education minor is designed for students who plan to teach history/social studies, often combined with an Education major. You’ll focus on core historical content and pedagogical skills, preparing you to confidently deliver history curriculum and apply for teacher certification.
Pair With:
- Elementary or Secondary Education: to qualify for teaching history or social studies and prepare for K–12 licensure/endorsement.
- Political Science Education: to offer a broader historical and civic education portfolio, suitable for integrating history and government in your teaching practice.
- English Education: for those who want to teach both English and history, making you a versatile candidate for schools seeking teachers in multiple
- Education: to be able to teach additional subjects and bring richer historical context to classroom discussions.
- Social Studies Broadfield Education: for comprehensive content mastery across multiple social sciences, strengthening credentials for teaching in rural or smaller districts.
This sociology program gave me so much more than a degree; it gave me a passion for the field and a drive to use my knowledge to help others. The discussions, experiences, and life-long relationships I formed with professors and colleagues helped me prepare for and feel confident when entering graduate school. I know I will be successful in this field because of the foundation this sociology program gave me.
Terran Brown | Class of 2019
Information
Majors:
History
History Education
Social Studies Broadfield Education
Minors:
History
History Education
Pre-Law
Faculty
Timothy Lehman, Ph.D.
Laura Vinson, PhD
Jenifer Parks, Ph.D.
- Contact
- Call: (406) 657-1026
- Text: (406) 606-6440
- Email: admissions@rocky.edu
Alumni Profiles
- Cheyenne Aldrich is a middle-school teacher in the Billings Catholic School system.
- Allison Badger earned a master’s degree in history at the University of Montana.
- Bill Dreikosen is head men’s basketball coach at Rocky Mountain College.
- Mike Elliott worked in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua and is now studying sustainable development at Ohio State University.
- Coleen Hoesly is a graduate student in public policy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Burt Hurwitz attended law school at the University of Montana and practices law in Great Falls.
- Tyler Matsdorf is the communications director for Senator Max Baucus.
- Allison Palser is an environmental education intern at Shangri-La Gardens and Nature Center.
- Jenna Rakes works in student affairs at the University of Oregon.
- Heather Rathbun Nitz, former Miss Montana, has served in the Peace Corps, worked in alumni relations for Rocky Mountain College, and is currently studying social work in graduate school.
- Luke Shealy is a Peace Corps volunteer working in Gambia.
- Cody Yerger is an environmental impact supervisor.
- Troy Zickefoose is the principal of an elementary school in Laurel, Mont.
Career & Graduate School Ready
RMC’s history graduates are equipped for a wide spectrum of rewarding futures. Alumni enter law school, graduate programs, teaching positions, government service, political consulting, and leadership in public service or nonprofit organizations. Your training in research, critical thinking, and persuasive communication gives you powerful advantages wherever your journey takes you.
Field Experience and Mentorship
History majors benefit from the department’s encouragement of internships, independent research, and study abroad experiences. Whether you’re working alongside faculty on primary source analysis, interning at a museum or archive, or presenting at student conferences, you gain practical skills and strong professional mentoring. Small class sizes mean faculty know your interests and ambitions—and are ready to help you reach them.
Connect and Learn More
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