History Major
Unlock the past. Shape the future.
Earn your history degree at the University of Northern Iowa and explore how the past shapes today’s world. As a UNI history major, you’ll study the complex ways nationality, class, race and ethnicity, gender and religion influence societies and cultures across time.
The Department of History is dedicated to your success, offering career-focused support and hands-on experience through internships with local, regional and national organizations. With skills in research, analysis and communication that are valued across industries, UNI history graduates are well prepared for careers in education, public history, law, government, business and more—both here in Iowa and nationwide.
First in Iowa
Home to Iowa’s first Public History program and one of the oldest undergraduate programs in the nation.
Flexible Options
The history major is designed with flexibility in mind, making it easy to stack your credentials with a second major, minor or certificate that matches your interests and career goals.
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.
Want to learn more?
Fill out your information here and we'll be in touch!
Contact us directly at:
Department of History
1227 W 27th Street
319 Seerley Hall
Cedar Falls, IA 50614
319-273-2097
Phone: 319-273-2097
Email: jennifer.mcnabb@uni.edu
Why History?
Find your path.
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.
Shape your future.
UNI’s history majors are prepared for nearly any workplace. Recent graduates have gone on to various careers and advanced education, including:
- History teaching
- Law
- Broadcasting
- Advertising
- Publishing
- Journalism
- Public and government service
- Archival and historical site management
- Museum curation
- Business
- and more!
Go beyond.
The Department of History houses an active history club and honors society, Phi Alpha Theta, which offer an abundance of opportunities for academic, professional and social engagement.
The orgs host a monthly lecture series as well as the annual Donald Shepardson Memorial Student Research Conference, among other regular events and initiatives.
Find your path.
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.
Shape your future.
UNI’s history majors are prepared for nearly any workplace. Recent graduates have gone on to various careers and advanced education, including:
- History teaching
- Law
- Broadcasting
- Advertising
- Publishing
- Journalism
- Public and government service
- Archival and historical site management
- Museum curation
- Business
- and more!
Go beyond.
The Department of History houses an active history club and honors society, Phi Alpha Theta, which offer an abundance of opportunities for academic, professional and social engagement.
The orgs host a monthly lecture series as well as the annual Donald Shepardson Memorial Student Research Conference, among other regular events and initiatives.
Not your average professor
Prof. Emily Machen is an award-winning teacher, with a personable and engaging teaching style. She understands the many, varied challenges today’s students face today and is generous with her time helping those who need her assistance. Students in her classes have described her as “accessible,” “enthusiastic,” “friendly,” “knowledgeable,” “outrageously intelligent and a brilliant teacher,” and “one of the history department’s most effective professors.”
Panther POV
"Being a history major does not just have to be an in-class experience. As a history major, one of the first classes you'll take early in your career is a short internship. This experience helped me discover my love for the museum space and seek out further internships later in my college career."
Amber Hoodjer, '24
Explore History
You have a passion and a bold vision for your future. We have the tools to bring that dream to life. Customize your learning experience with targeted minors and certificates. Get engaged with student orgs and community/campus engagement. Thinking about grad school? We can help with that too!