History

Embark on a Historical Odyssey

History students sitting around table in classroom

Program Overview

Embark on an enlightening journey through time with College of Western Idaho (CWI)'s History program. Here, your fascination with the past opens doors to understanding the intricate stories of human societies. This program offers you a broad perspective on historical events and cultures, enriching your global awareness. You will develop essential skills in critical thinking, research, and communication, preparing you for diverse career paths. Whether you aspire to a profession in education, law, government, or beyond, the History program provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills to help you succeed.

In this program, you will engage with historical sources, learning to craft and articulate well-reasoned arguments. Your journey at CWI includes extensive writing and research projects that not only deepen your historical knowledge but also enhance your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. This program is not just about understanding history; it is about empowering you with skills and insights that are valuable in today's ever-evolving world.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Arts

Fully Online

Time to Complete

2 years

Instructor helping two students at a table in a classroom

Learning Opportunities

  • Critical Analysis: Develop the ability to analyze historical sources and construct well-reasoned conclusions.
  • Cultural Perspectives: Gain insights into a wide range of cultures and historical periods, enhancing your global understanding.
  • Effective Communication: Improve your writing and communication skills through extensive coursework and research projects.
  • Historical Argumentation: Learn to construct and articulate historical arguments using a variety of sources.
  • Research Proficiency: Master the skills of academic research and paper writing, essential for success in higher education and professional careers.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

History – Associate of Arts Degree

2

YEARS

AA

Available Fully Online

Degree Requirements
History professor with pile of books in library

Career Opportunities

  • Managers, All Other

    All managers not listed separately.

    279

    Annual Openings*

    $24.55

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $51,064

    Annual Median Salary

    39.33%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

    Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. Excludes “Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School” (25-2032), “Special Education Teachers” (25-2050), and “Substitute Teachers, Short-Term” (25-3031).

    264

    Annual Openings*

    $23.82

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $49,546

    Annual Median Salary

    12.88%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

    Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level. Excludes “Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School” (25-2023), “Special Education Teachers” (25-2050), and “Substitute Teachers, Short Term” (25-3031).

    55

    Annual Openings*

    $23.91

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $49,733

    Annual Median Salary

    29.39%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Archivists

    Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

    6

    Annual Openings*

    $23.09

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $48,027

    Annual Median Salary

    -2.63%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Curators

    Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

    6

    Annual Openings*

    $8.56

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $17,805

    Annual Median Salary

    15.5%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Anthropologists and Archeologists

    Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations.

    4

    Annual Openings*

    $37.07

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $77,106

    Annual Median Salary

    9.22%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Museum Technicians and Conservators

    Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

    3

    Annual Openings*

    $18.12

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $37,690

    Annual Median Salary

    26.25%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Historians

    Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

    2

    Annual Openings*

    $30.40

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $63,232

    Annual Median Salary

    5.87%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

"CWI has a sense of community and family that is hard to find at larger institutions." Read more > about A Better Self
Katt Grossman
2016 Graduate, Anthropology, Geography & History

Admissions

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  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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News

Students in their final semester of College of Western Idaho’s History program enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the Idaho State Archives facility in March.

Read more about History Students Tour State Archives

Congratulations to the inaugural group of CWI faculty who now hold the rank title of Professor.

Read more about Seven CWI Faculty Promoted to Professors

Students looked through historical documents, firsthand accounts, and personal papers as part of their History Capstone class.

Read more about History Students Search Idaho State Archives

Congratulations to Reggie Jayne, College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for January 2019.

Read more about Faculty of Distinction—January 2019

"CWI empowered me by showing me I am smart, outgoing, and able to do so many more things than I thought I could.”

Read more about A Better Self

Department Chair of History, Culture, and Politics, Dr. Justin Vance, has been named to the National Geographic Idaho Advisory Council. 

Read more about Vance Named to National Geographic Idaho Advisory Council

Students discuss themes in historical American documents as part of Common Read Series. 

Read more about Students Discuss Historical American Documents

Clayton Cramer, an adjunct instructor of History at the College, releases his tenth book.

Read more about History Instructor Releases New Book

Over the course of two days, 14 CWI students and two faculty members participated in an event at Celebration Park.

Read more about CWI Participates in Alternative Spring Break

Without a doubt, Amber Shoopman has done a little bit of everything. Once quiet and very reserved, the College of Western Idaho (CWI) alumnae now spends her time interacting with a variety of people...

Read more about Writing Her Own History
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