History

Learn history by doing, thinking, and exploring.

History major and minor

History is not simply dates and events of the past. You will become immersed in history as each course provides the foundation and experience for the next.

At Simpson, our History program prepares you to understand the past while developing the skills you need for the future. Through engaged, student-centered teaching and learning, you’ll become an apprentice historian, building skills in research, analysis, communication, leadership, and teamwork.

Learning goes beyond the classroom. You’ll learn history by doing through Reacting to the Past historical role-playing games, stepping into the perspectives of people from the past and engaging with complex historical situations. You’ll work with historical documents, not just textbooks, to explore the past, evaluate evidence, and develop meaningful interpretations.

Whether you plan to become an educator, attend law school, pursue museum studies, enter the business world, or explore another career, the History program will prepare you for what’s next. You’ll graduate with the confidence, experience, and transferable skills to think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate, and lead in any career.

View major course requirements

View minor course requirements

Why Simpson College for History?

What can I do with my history degree?

As a History major at Simpson, you’ll learn to think critically, conduct research, analyze historical documents, and communicate ideas effectively. Through hands-on experiences, including historical role-playing games and research opportunities, you’ll explore the past from multiple perspectives and learn to evaluate evidence. You’ll develop skills in writing, analysis, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving while working closely with faculty.

Career Ready

Our graduates are prepared to launch successful careers and make an immediate impact in the workforce. Here are a few examples of where Simpson alumni are building their careers:

Camp Nelson National Monument
Cedar Falls Schools
Civil and Human Rights Commission
Iowa Senate
Living History Farms
Rocky Mountain Camp
Southeast Polk Community School District
World Food Prize Foundation

Explore Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Interested in the unique opportunities the department has to offer? See more opportunities and experiences that will shape your future at Simpson.

Iowa History Center

The Iowa History Center at Simpson College advances the understanding and appreciation of Iowa history among the state’s students, scholars and general public. Through numerous programs designed to heighten public awareness and interest in Iowa history, the Center expands educational opportunities and makes this history more widely available and accessible.

Learn More

Reacting to the Past

What if you did more than study history? What if you could live it? The History department at Simpson uses an innovative teaching method called Reacting to the Past role-playing games to get students to understand history from the inside.

Many of the courses offered by the History department use Reacting to the Past simulations to immerse students as historical actors in a particular crisis moment in history. Through this experience, they learn how complex historical change is and the intricacies of the issues facing people in those situations. They know it because they’ve experienced it themselves in the course of the game.

Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society

Phi Alpha Theta is a national history honor society that recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in the study of history. At Simpson, members connect with fellow history students, participate in academic and social activities, and celebrate their passion for exploring the past while developing skills in research, leadership, and communication.

May Term Travel

May Term courses take learning beyond the classroom through immersive travel experiences. Each course is designed to provide firsthand insight into the industry while helping students build professional connections and explore a variety of career opportunities.

History Club

The Simpson College History Club brings together students who share a love of history, whether that means ancient civilizations, world wars, local heritage, or anything in between. We meet monthly for discussions, guest lectures, and film screenings, and we organize trips to museums, archives, and historical sites throughout the year.

Membership is open to all currently registered Simpson College students. You don’t need to be a history major to join, just an interest in exploring the past. Beyond the social side, the Club is also a place to build research, writing, and public speaking skills, and to connect with others thinking about history-related careers or grad school.

New members are always welcome! Come to a meeting, no experience or commitment required to check us out.