Students in History of Islamic Spain Course at Alhambra, Granada, Spain, June 2015
Members of the Department of History with NEIU President Gloria Gibson
Dr. Mateo Farzaneh book cover on women in Iran/Iraq war
Our world-class faculty and students engage in the study of the historical development of a broad spectrum of human societies. We analyze historical change rather than memorize facts. Members of the department produce award-winning research and have been selected by the University for their teaching excellence.

The Department of History offers courses leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts. History is a flexible major that allows students to choose among a variety of electives based on their interests. Students can also choose history as a minor, which combines well with many majors.

Summer 2022 History Class Schedule

Fall 2022 History Class Schedule

Career Opportunities for the History Major or Minor

As a history student you will develop skills of critical thinking and writing that you will find indispensable as you pursue a variety of careers, including education, research, law, business, public affairs and the service professions. For more information, read the "AHA's Careers for History Majors" and "What Can I Do With a Degree in History?"

If you are interested in pursuing law school after completing your History degree, please contact David Nissam-Sabat, pre-professional advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences at d-nissimsabat@neiu.edu or visit the Pre-Professional Advising website.

How to Become a History Major or Minor

To become a History major or minor, contact department chair, Charles Steinwedel at c-steinwedel@neiu.edu, or visit the Department of History in Room LWH 4085 and fill out a declaration form.

If you are also going into secondary education you need to declare both secondary education and history as majors. To find out more about the secondary education program, please contact program advisor in the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education Vanessa King at v-king@neiu.edu. You may contact the Goodwin College of Education office at (773) 442-5500 or gcoe@neiu.edu

For general NEIU admission requirements, the Admissions Office helps new and returning students through the application process. In addition, the Transfer Center assists transfer students and returning veterans to transition to our campus.

Advising

When you declare history as your major/minor you will be assigned to an advisor. During the fall and spring semesters you should contact your assigned advisor for guidance about degree requirements, transfer credits, and which classes to take. Your advisor’s name is listed under your Academic Profile on NEIUport. If you wish to see someone else, please contact the History Department office at (773) 442-5630. During the summer semester, please see Prof. Steinwedel.

undergraduate major advisors

undergraduate minor advisor, summer advising

Charles Steinwedel, chair of the Department of History, advises majors in the summer. Professor Steinwedel also does advising all year for minors, students in the Teacher Licensure Program, and Second Bachelor’s students. Please contact him at c-steinwedel@neiu.edu.

graduate advising

If you are a Master of Arts student or interested in the program, please contact Professor Christina Bueno at c-bueno@neiu.edu.

Scholarships

The Department of History has four awards available for students:

  • The Brommel-Lindberg Scholarship in History provides one undergraduate history major at the junior level or above $1,200 for tuition and fees at Northeastern for the following academic year.
  • The J. Frederick MacDonald Scholarship provides one undergraduate history major at the junior level or above $1,000 for tuition and fees the following academic year.
  • The Dr. Joseph C. Morton Scholarship in History provides $1,000 for one student toward undergraduate or graduate studies in History.
  • The Susan E. Rosa Memorial Scholarship provides $1,725 for a promising student who embodies Susan's high standards and love of learning.

The deadline to apply for the 2022-2023 awards is April 15, 2022. Questions may be addressed to Professor Andrew Eisenberg, Chair of the History Department Scholarships Committee, at a-eisenberg@neiu.edu.

For more information, qualifications and requirements on each scholarship and to apply, please download and complete the Department of History Scholarships Application and submit it to the History Department.

Clubs and Organizations

Students can join Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society. Phi Alpha Theta hosts several events each year. Students are also encouraged to attend seminars at the Newberry Library. Students interested in law school are welcome to join the Pre-Law Society.