What if there were a way to tell the story of why we are the way we are? To study human behavior as if in a lab with unlimited evidence? To preserve what makes us unique and understand what keeps us going? History helps us discover new meaning in the past, present and future. Our students learn the best practices of historical research while developing the skills for a successful career: thinking critically, communicating effectively and tackling complex problems. Our majors excel in careers in politics, the legal profession, business and marketing, human resources, information and library sciences, law enforcement, journalism, public relations, intelligence or security analysis, sales and recruitment, education and more.
West Virginian and Appalachian history is a strength of our department. Our faculty also specialize in a diverse range of historical time periods, teaching courses in everything from ancient Greece to modern day Africa. Members of our faculty have won the Mellon Fellowship, a National Science Foundation Law and Social Sciences Grant and the Rome Prize from the American Academy in Rome. Their lectures have aired on C-SPAN and become the basis for award-winning books. With faculty guidance, our students begin their own work as researchers, working in local or national archives to make their own discoveries.
All history majors declare a minor to personalize their studies. Many students select another minor or a second major based on their long-term goals. Students are encouraged to find and apply for internships or study abroad opportunities.
History majors in our department have worked at National Park Service sites and the National Main Street Project in Charleston, WV. They have studied abroad in Turkey, Germany, England, Poland, South Africa, Australia and more.
Any student may pursue a minor in history. Students are advised to design their own minor to complement their major.
To meet the faculty and advisors that you will guide your studies, visit the program website.
