Berea College

Graduates receive a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History. A minor is also available. Students might pair their History major with a minor in other programs like Education Studies, African and African American Studies, Appalachian Studies, Asian Studies, and/or Women’s and Gender Studies.

The Special Collections and Archives division of Hutchins Library offers practical experience in arranging, describing, and preservation of archival and manuscript materials documenting Berea College and Southern Appalachia.

The Artifacts and Exhibits Studio at the Appalachian Center offers experience in working with historical artifacts and images, and presenting history through exhibits. In addition to work positions during the academic year, the studio offers paid summer internships (which can be done for academic credit in History).

Two student organizations are unique to the history department. The History Club sponsors social and intellectual events, including trips and talks by local speakers. Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society recognizes academic achievement in history, and sponsors conferences, scholarships, and a journal.

Students master several critical skills to their overall education and burgeoning careers. They include persuasive writing
and speaking, complex problem solving, research and investigation techniques, as well as foreign language reading and speaking.

Berea History graduates, distinguished by their labor position experience and hands on work with Appalachian archives, artifacts, and exhibits find employment in a wide variety of career fields including:

• Law
• Library & Information Science
• Museums & Historic Preservation
• Documentary film
• Journalism
• Teaching
• Non-profit foundations
• Politics