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History majors develop an understanding of the historical background of modern society, politics, economics and culture, cultivating their research and writing skills. In addition to careers as historians and history teachers, a history major can prepare you for careers in:
The specialized major in History and Social Sciences combines a broad historical background with one or more social sciences, along with a variety of elective options, and is particularly appropriate for students seeking teacher certification at the secondary level.
| Chair Caitlin Carenen Webb Hall, Rm. 331 (860) 465-5033 (860) 465-0650 carenenc@easternct.edu |
Assistant Chair Scott Moore Webb Hall, Rm. 352 (860) 465-5105 (860) 465-0650 mooresc@easternct.edu |
| Secretary II Robin Marrotte Webb Hall, Rm. 326 (860) 465-4594 (860) 465-0650 marrotter@easternct.edu |
Since its founding in 1889 as a normal school tasked with preparing primary school teachers, Eastern Connecticut State University has seen thousands of teaching candidates graduate to become educators and administrators in schools across Connecticut and beyond. Over the years, many Eastern graduates have become leaders of their institutions. In the past decade alone, more than 90 alumni have served as principals and heads of school. Four recent principal appointments for the 2025-26 academic year demonstrate the leadership and devotion that have marked Eastern alumni for more than 135 years.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker recognized Eastern alum Brian Betesh ’05 as the 2026 Connecticut Teacher of the Year this fall. Betesh, a sixth-grade social studies teacher at Rogers Park Middle School in Danbury, leads efforts in interactive and project-based learning. He was selected from more than 44,000 Connecticut public school teachers, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
A quintet of alumni from Eastern’s Department of History returned to campus as panelists to share their career journeys with current history majors on Nov. 12 in the David G. Carter Science Building. From professional work in libraries and archives to digital history, the alumni discussed their career paths following Eastern.
History majors at Eastern learn to understand the historical background of modern society, politics, economy and culture. They cultivate active skills in research and writing that help them prepare for graduate school and careers in education, law, government, journalism and many other professions. Eastern is the only Connecticut state university with an undergraduate digital history lab. A History minor is available to non-History majors.
The History and Social Sciences major at Eastern is designed for students pursuing teaching certification in secondary education, but is open to all students. It combines a broad historical background with in-depth exploration of one or more social sciences, along with a variety of elective options. Majors select courses from the disciplines of anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology and sociology.
Students in the Asian Studies minor are exposed to the history and current affairs of Asian societies, and are encouraged to travel and study in Asia. The minor has particular strengths in China, Japan, Vietnam, Southeast Asia, Korea and India.
The Peace and Human Rights minor explores fundamental issues related to the human condition and the study of social, political and religious thought. Students are encouraged to think critically and to broadly explore contemporary issues related to peace and human rights.
