History
(Printable version)
Are you intrigued by events and people from the past? Ever wonder how the interactions between the diverse peoples and cultures of the past shape our lives today?
As a history major you will explore how men and women, famous and ordinary, lived in the past. You will obtain the kind of perspective that is valuable in evaluating the institutions, ideas and values of the present day. You will develop an understanding of how and why societies and cultures change or do not change over time.
Strong skills
You will learn to read critically, manage and analyze information, build logical arguments and write persuasively. You will also learn to conduct independent research, evaluate the views of historical scholars and produce a major research paper. Whether you’re preparing for graduate studies, advanced studies, a career in teaching, or numerous other fields, UW-Eau Claire’s history major provides the optimal setting to earn your degree.
Internships
Public History majors are required to complete an internship for credit before graduation. Public history interns from UW-Eau Claire regularly work at the Chippewa Valley Museum and at a variety of
other historical organizations throughout Wisconsin. Most internships offer academic credit and some are paid.
Why UW-Eau Claire?
The senior thesis and public history program make the history program at UW-Eau Claire unique. We have professional historians in U.S., European, Asian, Middle East and Latin American history who can prepare you with a breadth of knowledge that will enable you to succeed in the 21st century world.
Get personal
Our faculty/student collaborative research program engages students in research projects and helps them gain in-depth knowledge for their careers or graduate schools. In fact, our history department faculty members received the 1992 and 1997 UW System Regents Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Suggested freshman curriculum
- World History to 1500
- Intro to College Writing
- World History since 1500
- Social Science electives
- Natural Science electives
- Humanities electives
- Communication elective
More advising information
Senior research thesis
All students write a senior thesis; this is an original piece of extensive research based on primary sources. During this process, you’ll work collaboratively with the professor leading the seminar and with a cooperating professor of your choice.Our graduates
The skills history majors gain in research, analysisand writing are valued by a variety of businesses and public sector employers. Typical positions for history majors include teaching; working for a government agency as a researcher, analyst, information processor; or working at a museum, historic preservation agency, or historic park.
More career information
Places you’ll find recent graduates:
- Small Exhibit Coordinator,
Chippewa Valley Museum,
Eau Claire, WI
- Administrative Trainee,
Quad Graphics, Inc.
- Legislative Aide,
State of Wisconsin
- Social Studies Teacher,
Maple Grove School District,
Maple Grove, MN
- Intern, NFL Hall of Fame,
Canton, OH
Department contact information
Kate Lang
langkh@uwec.edu
715-836-5501
