Learn how to use Computer Science to revolutionize the study of History.

The and Department of History are excited to offer a groundbreaking, interdisciplinary program that allows students to integrate two distinct areas of focus - Computer Science and History (CS+History).

Archival materials from places like the National Archives in Washington, D.C. and depositories around the world now have collections available to the general public thanks to advances in technology. Maps, which are essential to the study of history, have been digitized to become interactive, allowing individuals to explore changes over time on topics ranging from population growth and decline to the rise and collapse of empires and civilizations. Digital games are excellent ways for students to develop “historical thinking,” and educational publishing houses increasingly add digitized elements to online text for history courses.

The B.A. in CS+History will prepare students to apply their knowledge and skills in the development, implementation, and use of computer software and hardware to explore a concentration in digital history. Upon graduation, students will be able to build and manage digital archives, apply data and textual analysis techniques to historical texts, and create innovative ways to represent and interpret historical events.

Explore Existing Partnerships with Internship Programs

Students interested in developing educational history software, documentary film production, or other history projects will have the skills to offer local and regional organizations, which they may apply through internships with the following entities:

  • Joliet Area History Museum
  • Naper Settlement
  • Gaylord Building
  • Isle a la Cache
  • Field Museum of Natural History
  • Chicago History Museum
  • Cantigny First Division Museum
  • Hellenic Museum
  • Holocaust Museum
  • Balzekas Lithuanian Museum
  • National Archives at Chicago
  • Illinois State Archives

Why Computer Science + History?

The ability to collect, analyze, and visualize connections and trends within large datasets has enabled scholars in every discipline to gain new insights and raise new questions. Furthermore, every organization has information technology needs that require attention from skilled experts. A CS+History degree prepares students to assist colleagues and history-based organizations investigate their data more deeply with the help of technology, providing a clear path to a well-paying and opportunity-rich career.

Sample Courses:

  • Programming Fundamentals
  • Object-Oriented Programming
  • Programming Languages
  • Computer Organization
  • Global History
  • Historiography
  • U.S. History
  • European History

Career Options:

  • Digital Archivist
  • Historian
  • Designer of Museum Exhibits
  • Author
  • Game Developer
  • Web Developer

On Campus Opportunities

  • ECaMS Cyber Defense Club
  • Prometheon Technology Club
  • IEEE Student Chapter
  • Math Club
  • e-Sports Club
  • Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (DataSAIL)
  • History Honors Society

Admission Requirements

Please refer to the Office of Admission for application requirements and specific next steps.

Related Programs

VIEW THE PROGRAM CURRICULUM


For more information contact the Office of Admission at admission@lewisu.edu or call (815)836-5250.

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