Dates

• Usage: 1960 - present
• Usage: 1930 - 1960

Biography

Undergraduate instruction in history has been a part of Boston College's curriculum since its founding in 1868. By 1924, the college offered a structured program in history, including courses in Medieval History, the Protestant Reformation, the Era of Revolution, American History, and Irish History. These courses laid the foundation for the development of history as a distinct academic discipline within the College of Arts and Sciences.

The establishment of graduate instruction in history began in 1925 with the founding of Boston College’s "Graduate School." This expansion reflected the university’s growing commitment to advanced historical study. By the 1930s, a Department of History and Government was formed. In 1953, a doctoral program in history was introduced, enrolling six students in its inaugural cohort. By 1956, the department appointed its first teaching assistant, and in 1957, it awarded its first Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in History, along with its first Master of Teaching in History, a program administered through the School of Education.

Despite these milestones, the early years of the doctoral program were marked by persistent challenges, including limited financial resources, faculty shortages, and difficulty attracting qualified candidates. These constraints required ongoing administrative efforts to secure funding, recruit faculty, and refine the curriculum.

In September 1960, the Department of History and Government was formally separated into two distinct departments: History and Political Science. This structural change allowed for greater autonomy in curriculum development, faculty recruitment, and research initiatives.

Since then, the department has maintained its status as a core academic division within the university. It currently offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Teaching (M.T.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in history. The undergraduate program covers a broad spectrum of historical fields, including Medieval, Early Modern, Modern European, Russian, East European, United States, Latin American, Asian, Middle Eastern, and African history. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in law, government, foreign service, journalism, and education. Faculty-supervised Readings and Research courses allow students to pursue specialized historical inquiries tailored to their interests.

The graduate program continues to emphasize advanced scholarship and professional training in areas such as European, Medieval, American, Latin American, Middle Eastern, and Asian history. Graduate students are encouraged to develop original research while engaging in the department’s teaching and mentorship programs.

The History Department operates under the leadership of a Department Chair, who oversees academic and administrative functions, including faculty appointments, curriculum development, and student affairs. The Chair reports to the Dean of the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, ensuring alignment with university-wide academic policies and institutional goals.

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