
History
Major or Minor
Apply nowExplore the history bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire
Explore events and people from the past — and better understand how we got to where we are today — with a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Designed so you can explore and pursue multiple passions, degree requirements for our history program are flexible and personalized. A variety of electives allow you to study the topics that most interest you and best align with your professional goals.
Coursework throughout the major will provide you with a strong foundation in world history and introduce you to the theories, concepts, methodologies, research methods and historiographic traditions used by historians. Through unique projects and assignments, you'll learn how to uncover evidence and use it to explain the meaning and impact of events in local, national and global contexts. You will also discover how to conduct independent research; evaluate the views of historical scholars; and assess the credibility, position and perspectives of various forms of historical evidence. This real-world, learn-by-doing approach gives you an inside look at the types of projects and initiatives you may be leading once in the field — and gives you firsthand experience prior to graduating.
No matter your career goals, here, you'll feel motivated and supported while on your journey to pursuing your bachelor's degree. Classes are taught by passionate, supportive faculty members, each with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Through their diverse backgrounds and past experiences, they'll show you all that is possible with a degree in history and help you find a career path you love. Small class sizes allow you to ask questions, have thought-provoking discussions and network with students who, like you, are interested in sharing their love of history with the world.
Faculty spotlight: Dr. Selika Ducksworth-Lawton
History has an endless number of career paths, and professor of history Dr. Selika Ducksworth-Lawton has the students to prove it. A faculty member at UWEC for over 30 years, Selika has had grads who have gone on to become officers, social education teachers, archivists, national park service members and lawyers.
Learn more about her passion for teaching and how history plays a role in today's society.
Why history at UW-Eau Claire?
Valuable student organizations. As a history major, you'll have access to relevant and fun student organizations that can help take your learning to the next level. For example, History Enthusiasts of UWEC is a student-run club where you can engage in history-related events, socialize with people who share your interests and learn more about history.
Diverse, experiential curriculum. A variety of electives within the program allow you to personalize your education and study multiple areas of interest. Explore courses like the African American Civil Rights Movement, Twentieth Century Europe, Origins of Current World Conflicts, Sectionalism, Civil War and Reconstruction, American Environmental History and the History of Japan. This multidisciplinary and global approach will surround you with different perspectives, people and ways of thinking.
Groundbreaking research projects. All history majors at UWEC complete an independent research project as part of their senior capstone thesis. Many Blugolds also choose to participate in research collaborations with department faculty on both national and international topics. This work may lead to research presentations at local, state and national conferences. It also will set you apart, especially when applying to graduate school or when pursuing careers requiring research skills and independent initiative.
Opportunities to travel. Travel is one of the best ways to learn about history, and throughout your time at UW-Eau Claire you'll have plenty of chances to do so. Explore museums and historical sites in England and Central Europe while studying abroad, or learn about the Civil Rights Pilgrimage in Alabama, Arkansas and Louisiana during a faculty-led cultural immersion experience. UW-Eau Claire is also one of 200 universities participating in the National Student Exchange, which allows you to spend a semester at a campus in one of 49 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Canada or Puerto Rico — all while paying your Blugold tuition rate.
In-demand skills. Throughout our history program, you'll learn how to analyze diverse experiences; construct arguments that explain how history can inform the present; and compare and connect, local, national and global histories. Graduates leave able to read critically, manage and analyze information, build logical arguments, write persuasively and conduct independent research — skills that prepare them well for a wide variety of careers.
Connection to local employers. Annual on-campus Career Conferences and a Non-Profit and Government Career Fair bring potential employers right to you. These events are excellent opportunities to network and submit your resume for current and future job openings.
94% employed
or continuing education after graduation
2021-2022 Graduate Report
Quick facts
History program details:
- Program length: four years
- Offered: in person
- Campus: Eau Claire
- This major requires a minor or certificate.
- This program is also available as a minor.
- Students majoring in this program may choose either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
Student organizations
- History Enthusiasts of UWEC
- Phi Alpha Theta - Lambda Omicron
What can I do with a history degree from UWEC?
After completing UW-Eau Claire's history program, you'll become an informed citizen who understands and appreciates diversity, especially as it relates to evaluating and presenting different interpretations of the past. Our alumni go on to advance their studies in graduate or law school, or pursue careers in museums, archives, the government or historic sites. Graduates also work in management positions in the public or private business sectors.
History jobs
- Historical Society education and programming
- Local history outreach coordinator
- State records archivist
- Travel writer
- Consulting relations
- Director of research and principal analyst
- Coordinator of library development
History bachelor's degree program curriculum
The curriculum within UW-Eau Claire's history program will help you gain 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, as well as how interactions between the diverse peoples and cultures of the past shape our lives today. As part of a required capstone experience, you'll complete a major research project for presentation, enhancing your writing, reading, communication and analytical skills.
Pair your major with another field that interests you for even more opportunities and career paths. Popular minor choices include geography, global studies, European studies, ancient studies, religious studies, psychology, political science, economics or a language.
What classes do history majors take?
Your classes may cover topics like:
- American women’s history
- Ancient historiography
- History of World War II
- Civil rights and American memory
- Gender, sex and science in European history
- Twentieth century Russia
- History of race in the U.S.
Learn more about the history major in the UWEC course catalog.
Learn more about the history minor in the UWEC course catalog.
Learn more about UWEC
Related programs at UW-Eau Claire
Thinking about a bachelor’s degree in history? Here are a few other programs you might be interested in exploring.
Department information

History
Hibbard Humanities Hall 701124 Garfield Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701 Visit the History department website