History and Political Science

Understand the past. Shape your future. Study History or Political Science at USJ.

Don’t just study history: be a historian.

USJ’s history and political science programs offers robust education that prepares students for any number of career paths as well as understanding the increasingly complex world in which we live. Learn about policy and the past in wide-ranging and often hands-on courses that foster the development of critical thinking skills so as to do meaningful work in the present.

Check out USJ faculty Dr. Jennifer Cote with Lily Stilson (USJ ’20) on NPR’s Where We Live, discussing a class on US cities that restores meaning and dignity to the dead. Read student writing that led to that interview and imagine yourself doing such historical detective work, regularly on offer at USJ.

Our Programs

History, B.A.
Political Science, B.A.
Economics Minor
History Minor
Political Science Minor
Sociology Minor
Pre-Law – Pursue a 3+3 with Western New England University School of Law

Program Benefits

History

An Extensive Curriculum
The curriculum combines traditional courses with new approaches in order to reach a better understanding of the world today.
A Strong Foundation
A degree in History develops the essential “soft” skills of reading, writing, critical thinking, public speaking and collaboration that employers rate most important for the modern workforce. Majors enter careers in education, business, law, management and earn median incomes of $55,000 (source: American Historical Association).

Political Science

Paving the way to exciting and successful futures
Students in this major can pursue many different goals with this course of study. As a Political Science major at USJ, you will pursue your passion for learning about the dynamics of complex local and global issues.

Internship and Career Options

Students majoring in History or Political Science participate in internships and find employment at some of the most exciting organizations, companies, and career fields with the Greater Hartford community. According to the American Historical Association, “History majors work in a variety of professions, and the majority rise to leadership positions in those fields. The top five career paths are: 18% enter education, 15% management and business, 11% law and legal professions, 10% administration, and 10% marketing. A study shows that history majors earn median income of 55, 000 $, which is a bit lower than business majors and higher than life science majors. They also experience lower unemployment rates than communication, business or economics majors.” Source: American Historical Association.

Recent internship sites include:

The Connecticut Museum of History and Culture
The Wethersfield Historical Society
The Noah Webster House
The Stowe-Day Memorial Library
The Connecticut State Legislative Offices
United Technologies
Lobbying Group Associations
Local Probate Courts
Any many more!

Career Opportunities

Activist
Archivist
Business Administrator
College Teaching
Community Organizers/Community Advocate
Congressional Aide
Consumer Advocate
Court Appointed Conservator/Guardian
Departmental Historian
Education Administrator
Election Campaign Staffer
Foreign News Correspondent
Government Professional
Intelligence Specialist
International Relations Specialist
Journalist
Lawyer/Law Associate
Lobbyist
Museum Director/Staff
Policy Analyst
Policy Organizer
Politician
Public Administrator/Manager
Public Opinion Pollster
Public Relations Officer
Research/Technical Advisor
Teacher
Tour Guide
University Researcher