The History major is a rigorous Bachelor of Arts degree program that develops its students’ ability to understand human societies—both past and present—in context, with a social science emphasis on applying knowledge of the past to the resolution of enduring social, political, and economic challenges.
The major is structured to develop student skills in research, writing, digital methods, and oral communication across the curriculum. Students learn how gather and critically evaluate evidence from multiple types of sources, to conduct extensive archival or digital research, to explain the significance of their findings in scholarly and public venues, and to place historical events or phenomenon in a larger context.
Major courses enable students to build a strong foundation in historical knowledge, gain expertise in analyzing social, political, and economic dynamics in different societies over space and time, apply understandings of different cultures to explain historical conflict and resolution, understand how power is expressed and challenged in within and between nations, and incorporate diverse viewpoints to analyze historical change.
The Department of History’s research strengths allow students to focus on a range of geographic or thematic areas of study. Geographic areas include the U.S., Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, or the globe. Thematic areas include race, ethnicity, politics, religion, gender and sexuality.
By involving all students in the process of careful analysis of evidence and thoughtful, cogent expression of ideas, the department seeks to equip students with intellectual skills which have multiple uses in the larger society outside the university. The History B.A. provides preparation for diverse fields: higher education, the law, federal, state, and local government, work in historical societies and museums, business, non-profits, and website development and research.
View the list of courses on the MSU Office of the Registrar's website.
Download our curriculum checklist to help stay organized.
Undergraduate study in the Department of History at Michigan State University offers a tremendous opportunity for personal, intellectual, and professional growth. Our majors learn to think broadly and to develop skills in critical thinking and conducting original research, and they become highly adept at oral, written, and digital communication. They learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and grow as informed citizens, and they find the joy of making new discoveries and conquering great challenges. Knowledge and experience gained in history coursework enables our majors to excel in a wide variety of fields, such as education, law, government, international development, business, journalism, medicine, social work, and many others.
There are many ways to get involved as a history major:
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