Department of History & Political Science

Division of Humanities and Social Sciences

Do you want to change the future? Become a leader in policy and law? Understand the history that has shaped our world? Check out our programs in global studies, history, political science, pre-law and public policy. With four majors, three minors and four concentrations, you have numerous options to customize your degree.

The history and political science department prepares you for a life of active citizenship and intellectual engagement. In your classes you’ll engage in discussion, reflection, simulations, problem-based learning and collaborative research with faculty and your fellow students. Outside the classroom you’ll have opportunities for experiential learning, such as internships and travel. You might take a leadership role in student organizations such as Student Senate and the Pre-Law Society.

You can also participate in semester-length programs abroad or take one of our May Term courses.

Global Studies Major

Global studies majors look at the influence of different cultures as they contribute to our world. You will explore how these cultures fit into connecting our global system.

History Major

History majors explore events and time periods, both nationally and globally, which contribute to the understanding of how today’s society developed.

History & Political Science Major

While pursuing a degree in history and political science, you can choose one of three tracks to follow: liberal arts, social studies history or social studies government.

Political Science Major

Get a basis of knowledge on U.S. and global policies with core courses, then follow your interest through one of the three tracks: standard, public policy or pre-law.

Global Studies Minor

Minor in global studies to broaden your horizons and open your mind to different cultural perspectives as they pertain to politics and policy. A global study minor provides a great complement to any studies in the world languages department.

History Minor

History minors will complete coursework in U.S. and European history as they explore previous time periods and civilizations.

Political Science Minor

Political science minors will learn political philosophies and policies in the U.S. and globally. The political science minor allows you to choose preferred topics of interest from diverse course offerings.

Pre-Law

As a pre-law student, you can choose a pre-law track in the political science major or add a pre-law concentration to any major. Consult with the pre-law advisor to craft a schedule tailored to fit your post-graduate aspirations. 

American Civil War Concentration

Explore the history of the American Civil War through this concentration. You’ll also benefit from BC’s location in the Shenandoah Valley, which is rich with Civil War battlefields and history.

Politics & Public Policy Concentration

Add a politics and public policy concentration and learn about the intricate decision making process involved in creating public policies. Interested in areas such as environmental law? There’s a class for that.

Public History Concentration

In the public history concentration, you’re encouraged to continue your learning through internships, including on campus at the Alexander Mack Library.

History & Political Science Faculty