"My time at MCLA gave me the confidence to know that I could really do anything I wanted. The history department especially provided a nice balance of friendliness and professionalism. You could tell that they cared about people reaching their potential." — John Hollows '12, Data Success Program Manager, Revulytics Inc., Waltham, MA
In our programs, you work with dedicated faculty, choose from a wide variety of courses,
learn in small classes, and pursue special experiences outside the classroom such
as internships, travel courses, and undergraduate research.
You will graduate from MCLA with skills employers want: the ability to find information, think clearly, and analyze ideas and evidence.
Perhaps most importantly, you will learn to communicate clearly in both speech and writing. Visit these two sites, historicnorthadams.com and northadamsarchives.com, to see examples of our students' recent work in research, analysis, and communication.
Stay up to date with the History and Political Science department with the History House Herald.
Details on course requirements for these academic programs can be found by following the links below.
You may choose a Major or Minor in History; many of our students combine their study of history with a major or minor in Political Science. We have launched a minor in Public History that offers possibilities for careers in museums, archives, and more. We also have a fast-track program for those who are interested in going to law school, including 3+3 agreements with UMass Law and Western New England University School of Law.
Professors offer travel courses every year that enrich your education with personal experiences overseas. In addition, you can benefit from the rich historical resources found in the North Adams area, including the many nearby museums and institutions that offer internships, research opportunities, and volunteer or paid positions.
Within the MCLA community, you will have the opportunity to interact with students and faculty in the History Society and the MCLA chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society.
Your degree in History prepares you for a wide variety of careers and graduate school possibilities. Many of our majors choose to teach, but others enter fields such as business, public service, and law.
Roberto Castillo '21 is starting his career as a member of Boston's Americorps City Year cohort, helping public school students in high-need communities access the education, tools, and resources they need to succeed.
Jason Mlodzianowski ‘07 is celebrating his seventh year at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Penn., where he serves as the associate director of athletics for events, facilities, and operations. Hard work got him to the finish line, but a little push from a former MCLA coach is what got it all started.
Tianna Darling ’18 participated in a variety of activities at MCLA, including Dance Company. She also was an admissions ambassador. “When I came to MCLA I was extremely shy and would never have thought that, four years later, I would be leading tours around campus or helping to direct a club with 60 active members.”
