The study of the past prepares students to be informed citizens in the world today. History Department faculty offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses that prepare students to read intelligently, think critically, and write well.
History is more than learning about the past. Students examine historical evidence and explore how people, events, and ideas have shaped the world around us. In the process, they develop the ability to think critically and communicate clearly.
A history degree prepares students for a wide range of paths after graduation, from law and education to government, business, and public service. Many graduates also continue their studies through graduate and professional programs.
We offer degree programs that not only foster integrative knowledge and critical thinking skills, but also their application to real-world problems. While our primary focus is on undergraduate education, we offer a high-quality graduate experience for students interested in close collaboration with a faculty mentor.
The History major prepares students to be informed citizens in a complex world through the study of people, cultures, and events across time and place. Students learn to read intelligently, think critically, and write well while making meaningful connections between the past and present.
The History minor helps students better understand the present through the study of the past. It offers a meaningful way to pursue an interest in history while strengthening your degree and preparing for future career and educational opportunities.
The combined BA + MA program offers an accelerated path to a master’s degree for students interested in advanced historical study. Students can earn both degrees with just one additional year beyond their undergraduate education.
"As Communications Director for a U.S. Senator, I rely on the skills I developed as a history major every single day. The ability to critically 'read between the lines' and communicate across audiences has been invaluable to my career in public service."
Adam Cloch
Communications Director for United States Senate
"In management consulting, I need to get the ideas across clearly and persuasively. The hours I spent crafting arguments, organizing complex information, and fine-tuning my writing as a history major set me up perfectly for this."
Austin Braksick
Partner and Head of Business Development, MyNextSeason
"Leveraging the skills I gained in the History Department to enact real change is an honor and privilege. Humanities disciplines promote critical thinking, rigorous research, and clear presentation of ideas. The value of those skill sets, in any field of work, cannot be overstated."
Caroline Johnson
Naval History & Heritage Command
"By majoring in history, I developed essential skills for the practice of law before I even stepped foot in a law-school classroom. Studying history taught me how to write and research, how to read critically, and how to craft a compelling argument, skills I use everyday in my career."
Rachel Wydra
Assistant Public Defender, DuPage County
"Majoring in history helped me, a social studies teacher, craft an expansive understanding of the content of, and study of, the past. Furthermore, Miami's History Department provided me with invaluable skills such as thinking critically and developing well-supported arguments. These have served me well, both inside and outside the classroom."
Madison McQueen
Social Studies Teacher, Bowsher High School
"As a history major now in business, I developed a strong understanding of the power of storytelling, of narrative and effective communication. Today, in my internship, I work closely with high-tech founders who aspire to change the world. To support them, we must clearly articulate the stories of our portfolio companies, and draw lessons from our past to address the challenges of the present."
Jonny Maxwell
The Department of History fulfills Miami University's mission of promoting liberal learning and liberal education through: the transmittal of a sense of the past to new generations, especially the multiple heritages of the peoples of the United States; introduction to and understanding of the diversity of peoples throughout the world; transformation of academically ambitious students into lifelong, independent learners, responsible, morally committed professionals, and thoughtful citizens; and presentation of new scholarly research in the classroom and in the wider world of the public to help frame local, national and global issues.
We advance historical knowledge through research, publication, public scholarship, conferences, exhibitions, and community engagement. Faculty and students contribute to conversations that deepen our understanding of the past and its impact on the present.
Our faculty continuously develop courses, curricula, and teaching practices that reflect emerging scholarship, innovative technologies, and effective learning strategies.
Through advising, mentorship, research opportunities, independent study, internships, and thesis projects, we help students develop the skills and experiences needed to achieve their academic and professional goals.
We collaborate with museums, archives, historical societies, schools, community organizations, and professional associations to share historical knowledge and strengthen the broader field of history.
Help us prepare the next generation of leaders. We have numerous scholarships, grants, and programs accepting contributions from donors like you.
