History
The study of history involves careful searching through existing evidence to determine what happened in the past, while examining why that evidence was not only created but also saved. At the center of the discipline, asking tough questions enables us to understand the past and engage the present.
What is History?
Without knowledge of the past, we are, as one writer has phrased it, like victims of collective amnesia groping in the dark for our identity. History as a discipline is rooted in that fundamental human urge, curiosity. It confronts and weighs the relative significance of chance, inevitability, and choice in the passage of time.
History is humanistic in its emphasis on the influence of ideas and values, its capacity to both instruct and entertain, and as interpretive literature. In its investigation of social processes, groups and institutions, and the examination of human motivation, it is a social science. It acts as a bridge among disciplines, borrowing from all and contributing a sense of context and sequence to the perception of actions and individuals.
The American historian Carl Becker wrote: 鈥淭he value of history is, indeed, not scientific but moral: by liberalizing the mind, by deepening the sympathies, by fortifying the will, it enables us to control, not society, but ourselves鈥攁 much more important thing; it prepares us to live more humanely in the present and to meet rather than to foretell the future.鈥
History Degree(s)
History, BA
If you like to read, write, and learn about the experiences of people in different places and times, you should consider the history major. The research, analytical, and evaluative skills that history majors develop prepare them for graduate study in many humanistic disciplines, public affairs, and library science and for careers as journalists, government officials, and attorneys.
Explore the History, BA Program
Contact
Susan Costanzo, History Department Chair
costasus@wwu.edu | 360-650-3062
View in Catalog
History/Social Studies, BA
Secondary Education students who wish to be endorsed in Social Studies may choose this major. However, the History/Social Studies degree does not require that a student pursue a teaching certificate. History/Social Studies majors interested in Secondary certification must apply separately to the certification programs.
Contact
Susan Costanzo, History Department Chair
costasus@wwu.edu | 360-650-3062
Secondary Education Information, Woodring College of Education
wce.advising@wwu.edu | 360-650-3347
View in Catalog
History鈥擡lementary, BAE
This major is designed for students who plan to become elementary school teachers. It satisfies the academic major requirement for teacher certification with an endorsement in elementary education and must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in Elementary Education.
Contact
Susan Costanzo, History Department Chair
costasus@wwu.edu | 360-650-3062
Teacher Education Admission, Woodring College of Education
TeacherEd.Admission@wwu.edu | 360-650-4887
View in Catalog
A degree in history equips students to be effective citizens, lifelong learners, and to have thriving careers. History majors develop strong communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills valued by all employers.
No other major prepares students for as many different careers. Some graduates choose to work in history-related fields such as teaching, library science, museum studies, or public history. Others go on to successful careers in business, government, and nonprofit sectors. have shown that History majors actually earn more money ten years after graduation than almost all other majors (For any doubting parents, shows History can be a good option).
To learn more, read our or visit our for a full list of potential employers!
Employers of Recent Western Graduates:
- Massachusetts Historic Preservation Corps
- Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust: Processing Archivist
- Skagit County Public Works: Records Assistant
- King County Prosecuting Attorney鈥檚 Office: Legal Administrative Specialist
- Friedman Rubin Trial Lawyers: Investigator
- CEP Felipe II (Madrid, Spain): Language/Culture Assistant
Other Potential Employers include:
- National, State, and Local Government
- Political Campaigns
- Museums, Parks, and Historic Sites
- Art and Humanities Councils
- Financial Institutions
- News Departments of Local, Public, Commercial Radio, TV Stations, and Newspapers
- Non-profit and public organizations, such as the ACLU, NAACP, Legal Defense Fund, Legal Services Corporation, etc.
Where to Start?
- Meet with a .
- Discover the prerequisites of your area of interest and tailor your program of study to meet curricular and skill needs.
- Develop skills through internships, part-time jobs volunteering, and/or obtaining a leadership role in a school or community organization.
- Create a network of both formal and informal contacts.
- Research various job opportunities, pay structures, and informal contacts.
- Check out the resources provided by .
Often at the elementary or secondary level, students have the impression that the study of history simply requires memorization of names, dates, and other facts about past events. At the college level, however, the study of history facilitates the development of research, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive skills. The quantity of writing and discussion required in history courses also helps students develop effective communication skills.
History majors learn how to:
- Locate and access a wide range of sources
- Analyze historical evidence, including textual and visual sources
- Evaluate historical interpretations
- Develop and support their own interpretations
Our department offers in a full range of locations, cultures, and experiences to encourage critical thinking, rigorous inquiry, and intellectual growth. We prepare students for thoughtful participation in public affairs, further education, and a wide range of careers by fostering an appreciation of the diversity of human cultures and experiences.
Where else can you learn about pirates, revolutions in Latin American, Modern and Ancient Chinese History, Russian WWII Films, LGBTQ+ History, Indigenous North America, gladiators, and Y艒kai?
奥别蝉迟别谤苍鈥檚&苍产蝉辫; is part of the .
Related Majors
Related Minors
I like to know more of a deeper history rather than just the surface level and Western inspired me to get more curious鈥e more passionate about history, and to understand that there is a kind of connection between everything.
Quin McKinney
Alumni
Most importantly, Western taught me to think deeply and write clearly. History grads make excellent writers and researchers with the discernment to separate fact from fiction鈥攕omething our world increasingly needs.
Taylor Russell
Alumni
Organizations and Clubs
Students often get involved with the . PAT is a fun way to meet new friends, build your professional network, and organize history events for the public.
Internships
The History department encourages students to find internships and explore their passions. Recent student internships include:
- Friedman Rubin Trial Lawyers: Investigation Intern
- Skagit County Public Works: Records Intern
- WA State Archive: Northwest Regional Intern
Discover What's Next
Our Admissions team is ready to show future Vikings what makes 色花堂 and Bellingham special鈥攕trong academics, a supportive community, and access to mountains, forests, and the bay right in your backyard.
Still exploring? Contact Admissions to