History
The History program is dedicated to understanding and interpreting past human societies. Through this exploration, you will contemplate collective human experiences and gain insights that can help shape our communities. Our program showcases a rich variety of human experiences, values, and customs, providing not only enjoyment but opportunities to gain knowledge, learn critical analysis, and practice empathy. By discovering the past, we can better understand the present and influence the future.
Careers in History
Students develop research, writing, and analytical skills that open doors to a wide variety of job opportunities in fields such as business, politics, government, education, and healthcare.- Archivist
- Attorney
- Management
- Public Service
- Community Educator
- Sales
- Education Administrator
- Media
Potential Salary
Median Salary $72,890
History Degrees at MSU
History, Bachelor of Science
This Bachelor of Science in History equips students with essential skills in information literacy, critical analysis, and writing. This flexible program prepares graduates for careers in libraries, archives, sales, education, law, museums, business, public service, and more. Students can complete the degree in person, online, or through a combination of both. Whether pursuing history as a passion or a pathway to diverse fields, this program offers the knowledge and adaptability for success.
History, Minor
The History minor complements any major. It allows students with an interest in history to bolster their historical knowledge, sharpen their historical thinking, and hone their professional skills. Students can complete this minor either in person or remotely with classes on campus, online, or a combination of these.
Latin American Studies, Minor
This interdisciplinary minor enables students from a variety of majors to focus on Latin America. This training is useful in many careers including international business, international relations, and Spanish and Social Studies teaching. It can also help students develop cultural awareness and competencies important to working within a global economy.
Middle Eastern Studies and Islamic World, Minor
This interdisciplinary minor allows students to concentrate on the Middle East and Islamic cultures. This training will be useful to anyone working with Muslim populations, such as teachers, law enforcement, health care specialists, and social workers. It can also help students develop cultural awareness and competencies important to working within a global economy.
History, Master of Science
The Master of Science program in History provides an applied degree for advanced study and professional development for careers in teaching, law, journalism, public service, museums, and business. Students develop essential skills in analyzing conflicting information and viewpoints, writing clearly, evaluating reliable evidence, and understanding for events in a broader context. The program is available in person, online, or through a hybrid format, providing flexible learning options.
History, Graduate Certificate
The History graduate certificate provides 5-12 teachers and community college instructors an opportunity to further their professional development. This certificate fulfills the state-mandated requirement of 18 graduate credits to teach concurrent enrollment in high school or History courses at a community college. Credits in the graduate certificate may be applied toward a master’s degree in History. Students can complete this program either in person or remotely with classes on campus, online, or a combination of these.
History, Bachelor of Science
This Bachelor of Science in History equips students with essential skills in information literacy, critical analysis, and writing. This flexible program prepares graduates for careers in libraries, archives, sales, education, law, museums, business, public service, and more. Students can complete the degree in person, online, or through a combination of both. Whether pursuing history as a passion or a pathway to diverse fields, this program offers the knowledge and adaptability for success.
History, Minor
The History minor complements any major. It allows students with an interest in history to bolster their historical knowledge, sharpen their historical thinking, and hone their professional skills. Students can complete this minor either in person or remotely with classes on campus, online, or a combination of these.
Latin American Studies, Minor
This interdisciplinary minor enables students from a variety of majors to focus on Latin America. This training is useful in many careers including international business, international relations, and Spanish and Social Studies teaching. It can also help students develop cultural awareness and competencies important to working within a global economy.
Middle Eastern Studies and Islamic World, Minor
This interdisciplinary minor allows students to concentrate on the Middle East and Islamic cultures. This training will be useful to anyone working with Muslim populations, such as teachers, law enforcement, health care specialists, and social workers. It can also help students develop cultural awareness and competencies important to working within a global economy.
History, Master of Science
The Master of Science program in History provides an applied degree for advanced study and professional development for careers in teaching, law, journalism, public service, museums, and business. Students develop essential skills in analyzing conflicting information and viewpoints, writing clearly, evaluating reliable evidence, and understanding for events in a broader context. The program is available in person, online, or through a hybrid format, providing flexible learning options.
History, Graduate Certificate
The History graduate certificate provides 5-12 teachers and community college instructors an opportunity to further their professional development. This certificate fulfills the state-mandated requirement of 18 graduate credits to teach concurrent enrollment in high school or History courses at a community college. Credits in the graduate certificate may be applied toward a master’s degree in History. Students can complete this program either in person or remotely with classes on campus, online, or a combination of these.
Intern Where History Happens
Earn credit while interning with historical societies, archives, community organizations, law firms, and filmmakers—building hands-on experience and career connections through partners like the Minnesota Historical Society.
Learn from Experts, Abroad and at Home
Study with faculty specializing in global history—then take your learning further through study abroad. Recent trips to Cuba, France, Norway, and the American South bring global stories and classroom lessons to life.
History Club
The History Club promotes the study of history by encouraging learning, research, and collaboration among students and faculty. Go on historical field trips; build your resume; and interact with faculty and community.
Related Programs
Social Studies
The Social Studies program encompasses a broad range of social science disciplines, including anthropology, economics, ethnic studies, gender and women's studies, geography, history, political science, psychology and sociology. The teaching track prepares students to become licensed grade 5-12 social studies teachers.
Anthropology
Anthropology explores the interaction of human biology and culture, offering insights through its four subdivisions: archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology and cultural anthropology. The major provides training in all areas of anthropology with an interest in global awareness, cultural diversity, human adaptation and an understanding of human behavior.
American Indigenous Studies
American Indigenous Studies is an interdisciplinary program that provides a broad understanding of Native Americans, especially the Dakota, and their respective ways of life in the past, present and future.
Gender and Women's Studies
Gender and Women's Studies introduces students to interdisciplinary feminist perspectives, exploring the historical, social, and cultural dimensions of gender and its intersections with other forms of difference and inequality.
History Department
College of
Humanities and Social Sciences
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is an inclusive community of diverse learners seeking to examine, engage with and transform the social world while nurturing creativity and innovation. Our programs build a foundation of knowledge that adapts to a constantly changing society.
Learn More About the College of Humanities and Social Sciences