Welcome

The study of history examines how men and women throughout the world have lived in the past. It examines the history of human culture and pays special attention to continuities and changes in human communities over time and to interactions among people from different cultures. The study of history enhances critical thinking and effective communication by teaching students how to evaluate different interpretations of the past and how to use evidence effectively to understand the meaning and impact of events and processes. Studying history increases students’ social responsibility as they come to understand their own life experiences as part of an historical process. History students master the essential skills of a liberal education by learning to read critically, to manage and analyze information, to build logical arguments, and to write persuasively.

Students can major and minor in history through the College of Arts and Sciences or through the College of Education and Human Sciences. History majors in the College of Education and Human Sciences prepare to teach history in secondary schools. History majors in the College of Arts and Sciences often pursue careers in fields such as law, government, journalism, business, and information management. The department also offers a public history emphasis within the major for students interested in working in museums, archives, historic preservation, and other public history career fields. Some students continue academic study and obtain graduate degrees so that they can further their public history careers or teach at the post-secondary level.