About the Department

The Department of History and American Studies and its faculty offer courses of study that lead to two majors, History and American Studies. In their study, students gain a rigorous preparation in research and writing, a strong set of  skills necessary to analyzing and communicating ideas clearly and effectively, as well as training in digital fluencies for a twenty-first century world. Both majors encourage the acquisition of a broad knowledge of history, curiosity about one’s place in time and space, and the ability to formulate ideas and arguments. Students work directly with expert faculty in intro and advanced courses, seminars, independent studies, and internships.

The Department of History and American Studies prepares students for a broad range of careers, particularly those involving analytic, research, and writing skills. Our graduates have built careers working in archives, historic sites, museums, and libraries, as well as in the fields of education, foreign service, law, public policy, intelligence analysis, and more.