History Majors and Minors

The history faculty is genuinely invested in the well-being of their students. From all of my experiences in the history department, professors here take the time to ensure everyone’s success not only as a student but as an individual too.

Samuel Rossmiller | broadfield social studies teaching major

Prepared for Success

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, a career in teaching or numerous other fields, UW-Eau Claire’s History major provides the optimal setting to earn your degree.

The skills History majors gain in research, analysis and writing are valued by a variety of businessses and public sector employers. Typical positions for history majors include teaching; working for a government agency as a researcher, analyst or information processor; or working at a museum, historic preservation agency or historic park. 

Why UW-Eau Claire

Rankings / Reputation / Well-funded programs

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. In fact, our History department faculty members received the 1992 and 1997 UW System Regents Award for Excellence in Teaching and a departmental teaching award in 2006.

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.

Study Abroad

Since summer 2013, Public History students will have an opportunity to learn about preservation and interpretation in England during a short-term study abroad program created in collaboration with Harlaxton College.

Research Opportunities

The senior thesis ensures that every history major will conduct research; this is a unique and marketable advantage. In addition, 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.