History and Philosophy

As a History and Philosophy major at Hastings College you’ll gain the ability to appreciate the interconnections between place, time and thought. You’ll be pushed to read critically and think clearly while analyzing arguments and sharpening your communication skills.

Use the strengths of the two disciplines

You’ll track the relation between historical events and the traditions of thought and investigate the relation between ideas and the milieu in which they emerged — or trace the development that contemporary concepts have followed over time and within and across traditions and locales.

You’ll be encouraged to develop your own questions regarding these interconnections, and to take the lead in exploring possible answers to them by mining the rich resources of these complementary disciplines in your own creative and nuanced ways.

The coursework in this major boosts your ability to study all subjects in the humanities and social sciences, including language, literature, cultural studies and law.

Create your future

See for yourself how we tailor your education to your talents and your goals. Schedule a visit and we’ll demonstrate how Hastings will inspire you to reach your potential, or if you’re a high school senior, apply today.

Go further with a Hastings education

Thanks to our small class sizes (most have fewer than 20 students!), and a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, you’ll work closely with faculty and your advisor to complete your degree in four years. In fact, most students who graduate from Hastings do so in four years!

Our block-style semester structure means you’ll take just one or two classes at a time — which really lets you focus more intently on each class. It also lets faculty devote more time to every student because they’re only teaching one or two classes in a block!

Graduate with experience

Hastings College students take advantage of internships, research opportunities and other real-world experiences that help build a portfolio to prepare for your career or graduate school!

At every stop along your path, you’ll appreciate the stepping stones of teaching, counseling, inspiring, supporting and guiding from our engaged faculty. It’s an experience that’s true to Hastings College, and you won’t find it anywhere else.

- - - Heinlein, Paschal completing year of service after graduation
    - At African Community Center, Theesen finds success serving others

Your experience matters

Maximize scholarships — Yes, you’ll get an academic scholarship. But you’ll also get a “plus one” scholarship from the group, team or area you’re part of. It’s a great way to help pay for school — but also to find your people.

We’ve thought a lot about the ways students learn and built a four-year plan to help you navigate it all. From finding your place and in Year 1, to showing the world you’re ready for what’s next four years later.

Your transition from college to a career begins your first semester. Every class, internship, research study and activity adds up. We love to celebrate all the ways you shine — your experience matters!

Get involved beyond the History and Philosophy classroom

Alpha Chi (Academic Honor Society)

In addition to Alpha Chi, there’s always something to do at Hastings. Student clubs, service learning, Greek life, recreation and more make Hastings a great campus for student life.

Find scholarships for History and Philosophy majors

Your high school achievements can both fuel and fund your success at Hastings. We offer a range of generous and renewable academic scholarships based on your GPA. Then there’s “plus one” scholarships — an additional scholarship for participating in anything from athletics to the arts to media (it’s a long list!).

It all adds up to making Hastings an great choice for you and your family.