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


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

History and Political Science Faculty

USJ News

    Questions?

    Contact:
    Kevin Callahan, Ph.D.
    Chair, History and Political Science
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: 860.231.5370

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