The study of history examines how men and women throughout the world have lived in the past. It is the study and research of major political, cultural, social, and economic events. When students pay special attention to continuities and changes in human communities over time and to interactions among people of different cultures, they are able to understand their own life experiences as part of a historical process. The University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire offers both a liberal arts major and minor as well as a teaching major and minor in history.

What will I learn from studying History?

Knowledge:

History majors gain knowledge of ancient, medieval, and modern time periods. They also study the history of particular regions, civilizations, and people. History students become familiar with methods of historical research that relate to different historiographic traditions and have developed and presented an in-depth research project.

Skills:

• Critical reading
• Write and present information persuasively
• Research and analyze information
• Proficiency in bibliographic and statistical skills
• Capable to make keen observations, solve problems, and make appropriate decisions

What are some of the interests and values related to History?

• Reading
• Writing
• Researching
• Attention to detail
• Curiosity about other cultures, lifestyles, and time periods
• Ability to see patterns in seemingly unrelated events

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

• Phi Alpha Theta
• Society for Creative Anachronisms
• Pre-Law Club
• Forensics

Professional:

• American Historical Association
• American Association of Museums
• Oral History Association
• National Council for History Education
• Portal Wisconsin
• Organization of American Historians

What career fields are related to the History Degree?

Potential Employers:

A student who has majored in history will be prepared for multiple jobs in both the public and private sector. History majors are effective writers and critical thinkers. These skills will prove beneficial in a variety of fields. Career possibilities include teaching at the college level or in secondary education; working as museum professionals, interpreters, and cultural resource managers with agencies like the National Park Service; and careers in law, archives, urban planning advertising, foreign and civil service, and management in the corporate world. A degree in history is also excellent preparation for graduate school or a professional degree.

Potential Job Titles:

• Archivist
• Curator
• Market research analyst
• Preservation Specialist
• Writer/editor
• Professor/Teacher
• Technical adviser
• Research assistant
• Lawyer
• Legislative aide
• Lobbyist

What are some jobs held by UW – Eau Claire History graduates?

• Small Exhibit Coordinator, Chippewa Valley Museum, Eau Claire, WI
• Administrative Trainee, Quad Graphics, Inc.
• Journalist, Eau Claire Leader Telegram, Eau Claire, WI
• Legislative Aide , State of Wisconsin
• Social Studies Teacher, Maple Grove School District, Maple Grove, MN
• Intern , NFL Hall of Fame, Canton, OH
• Assistant Librarian , Globe College, Hudson, WI

How can I learn more about History?

Department

• Contact someone in UW – Eau Claire’s Dept. of History
• Hibbard Humanities Hall 701, 836-5501

Career Services:

• Meet with a career counselor
• Take interest inventories and self-assessment tests
• Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Career Discovery Center:

• Great Jobs for History Majors, Julie DeGalan
• 100 Jobs in Social Change, Harley Jebens
• Careers for History Buffs & Others Who Learn from the Past, Blythe Camenson
• Careers in Government, Mary Elizabeth Pitz
• Opportunities in Museum Careers, Blythe Camenson
• Museum Jobs from A-Z , G.W. Bates

Internet:

• Careers for Students of History
• Public History Employment
• History Jobs
• Websites for the History Profession
• H-Net Jobs

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in History?

Internships

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in History that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships. Contact your advisor or the History department chair about enrolling in HIST 498 to obtain academic credit for your internship.

Directed Studies or Independent Study Class

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Contact your advisor about enrolling in HIST 395, 399, 496 or 499.