Department of History
Who we were determines who we will be.
The Department of History offers a student-centered learning experience that connects the past to the present. Students are trained to think critically with the historical contextualization necessary for 21st-century cultural competence, citizenship and career success in a variety of fields.
With a number of initiatives in place to address student interests and career preparation, history students receive hands-on training through internship placements with local, regional and national organizations, and scholarship support, thanks to the generosity of our alumni and donors.
Explore the past.
The Department of History offers a variety of options to best pursue your career goals.
Shape the future.
History's required courses introduce students to historical methods through small seminar-style courses and a hands-on field experience course. Students also have the opportunity to take an array of courses in US and world history, and explore existing or developing topics of interest.
Dedicated support.
Faculty within the Department of History are knowledgeable, respected, passionate and, above all, dedicated to your success. UNI’s smaller class sizes lead to more opportunities to get to know your professors and work closely with them. Whether you need help preparing for your next paper or exam, grad school recommendations or career advice ... your history professor will be there to support you.
Built for your future.
The UNI history major is designed to do more than teach the past—it prepares you for what’s next. Our courses are built around the Eight Essential Employability Qualities (EEQs) that today’s employers value most:
- Critical thinking
- Creativity and problem-solving
- Communication
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Digital literacy
- Professionalism and responsibility
- Motivation and initiative
- Learning and adaptability
Through writing, discussion, public speaking and real-world analysis, you’ll hone these skills throughout every required course. When you graduate, the Employability Badge you earn will help showcase these qualifications to future employers and internships—clearly demonstrating the value of your UNI history degree.
Connected to the profession.
As a UNI history student, you’ll benefit from our department’s membership in the American Historical Association (AHA), the National Council on Public History (NCPH) and the Iowa Museum Association (IMA). These connections give you direct access to the latest research opportunities, job postings, internships, and professional training.
If you're interested in public history, the NCPH and IMA also open the door to active networks of museum professionals, historians, and community partners—great for building your career before you even graduate.
