Real World Experiences

The Department of History prepares students for the future by helping them understand how the past affects the present. Students develop their critical thinking and rhetorical skills. While exploring learning opportunities within and beyond the classroom, our graduates will be poised to become leaders in many fields.

History majors find work in a wide range of fields, from business, politics and government, to medicine, law, education, and more. Some students choose to pursue advanced degrees as well, but earning a Bachelor’s degree in history opens the door to many career opportunities.

History Club and Phi Alpha Theta

The History Club and Phi Alpha Theta provide opportunities beyond the classroom for students interested in historical study and debate.

The History Club promotes the study of history by encouraging research, good teaching, publication of materials, and exchange of learning among students and faculty. The Club offers opportunities to network with other students in your field of interest, participate in historical field trips, build your resume, and interact with the faculty and community.

Phi Alpha Theta is a  professional society whose mission is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. This honor society seeks to bring students, teachers and writers of history together for intellectual and social exchanges, which promote and assist historical research and publication by its members.

Collaborative Research with Faculty

Your research projects will reflect your interests. You will have opportunities to learn more about what you are most interested in, and to engage in meaningful research about the topics that matter most to you.

Every year, students who engaged in mentored research projects routinely present their work at regional and national conferences.

Study Abroad and Study Away

History doesn’t just happen in textbooks. The History faculty offers annual opportunities for a wide range of exploration of peoples and cultures throughout the United States and the globe. Students earn academic credit while exploring culturally significant sites and areas with especially contested histories. Recent trips, for example, include student travel to Cuba, France, Norway, and the American South.  

Internships

Our students earn credit toward their degree by engaging in internships with local historical societies, state parks, and other organizations that relate to their future career goals. Our most important partners include the Blue Earth County Historical Society, the Nicollet County Historical Society, and the Minnesota Historical Society.