History at Canisius is a comprehensive and challenging program. Through the study and analysis of the recorded past, students gain a more complete understanding of the present. History majors learn to formulate significant questions, and answer them using documentary evidence. They receive extensive training in the research and writing skills that are fundamental to a range of professions. Once students complete a few requirements, they can tailor the major to suit their own interests.
The Canisius Advantage
Canisius offers a dual degree program in history and social studies education for students interested in teaching at either the early childhood or adolescent level as well as a certification program that allows graduates to teach social studies in high school.
Dual majors
History is an excellent foundation for many fields. Students combine it with other disciplines including international relations, political science, urban studies, communication studies, math, English, art history and education.
History honors
This program is particularly valuable for students planning on graduate or law school. Seminars in the junior year cover historical research and historiography (the study of the practice of history). Seniors conduct primary research and write a senior thesis, and work with the faculty to select a topic for the capstone senior colloquium.