History Minor
Study how the past actually shaped the world you live in — and sharpen the research and writing skills employers and graduate programs notice. Eighteen credit hours; fits any major.
Program Overview
The History Minor at Shawnee State University invites students to examine humanity’s story across time, geography, and culture. Whether your interest lies in ancient civilizations, global conflicts, cultural movements, or the evolution of thought, this minor provides a meaningful and structured way to study the past while enhancing your analytical and writing skills. It’s an excellent complement to majors in English/humanities, social sciences, business, or pre-law.
At A Glance
History Minor
Degree
Minor
Format
On campus
Length
Typically completed alongside a bachelor's degree
Credits
18 credit hours
Why Study History Minor at Shawnee University
You choose three survey courses to build a base — American, world, or European — and then three upper-division electives in fields you care about.
The minor takes the shape of your interests rather than a fixed list. Coverage runs from ancient and medieval through modern American, European, and non-Western history.
It's broad enough to give you real perspective, not just one slice of the past. Research, analysis, and writing skills built in history coursework transfer directly to law, policy, journalism, education, public history, museums, and graduate study.
Pairs especially well with majors in English/Humanities, Social Sciences, Business, and Pre-Law.
The History Minor is 18 credit hours. Minimum grade of C in all courses; no more than 9 hours may count toward a major.
- Core (9 credit hours): Choose three history survey courses, including American History to 1865; American History Since 1865; World History I and II; Medieval/Renaissance Europe; Revolutionary Europe
- Upper-Division Electives (9 credit hours): Choose three across three fields, no more than two from the same field
- Field One — European and Western Civilization: e.g., Nazi Germany and Fascist Europe; Europe & the Modern World System; History of Medicine; Early Christianity
- Field Two — American History: e.g., Revolutionary America; Ohio History; History of American Women 1865–Present; Practicing Public History
- Field Three — Non-Western Civilization: e.g., East Asian History; Gandhi and Modern India; Islam: Religion, Politics and Society; Middle East in Modern Times
- English and Humanities majors who want a stronger historical and research base
- Social Sciences majors (Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology) looking for historical depth
- Business majors interested in economic history, organizational history, or global context
- Pre-law students — history is one of the most common and respected pre-law backgrounds
- Future teachers planning to work in history, social studies, or related licensure areas
- Anyone preparing for careers in museums, archives, public history, journalism, or policy
Courses meet on Shawnee State's Portsmouth campus, primarily in Massie Hall.
History Minor Frequently Asked Questions
Three survey courses for the foundation, then three upper-division electives drawn from European, American, and Non-Western fields with the rule that no more than two can come from a single field. That structure ensures real breadth.
History is one of the most common and well-regarded pre-law undergraduate backgrounds because of how heavily law work depends on reading, analysis, and argument. It's a solid complement to a pre-law plan.
You can lean toward a region in your surveys, but the upper-division rule keeps you from concentrating everything in one field. Talk to your advisor to design a path that leans toward your interest while meeting the field requirement.
Courses are offered on campus; some sections may be available online or hybrid. Check the current schedule.
