History

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.

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On the Public History in England trip, the History professors created one on one relationships with each of the students on the trip and took personal interest in our well being and experiences. They used many different approaches to teach us about Public History and got me invested in something I never thought I would be.

Dana Strothenke | theatre arts comprehensive major

Majors

History - Liberal Arts
History - Public History
History - Teaching

Minors

European Studies
History - Liberal Arts
History - Teaching

Certificates

Global and Comparative History
History of Race, Gender and Society
Transnational Asian Studies
World History and Society: Past, Present, Future

Contact Info

Linda Glenna, History
Hibbard Humanities Hall 701
124 Garfield Avenue
715-836-5501
glennale@uwec.edu

Department website

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.

Where are our grads?

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
Curator, Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame

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 have had the 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.