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A student wears a shirt that reads 'Study the Past, Build the Future; Illinois State University'.

Academics

History helps us explore and understand the stories of our past - to help explain who we are and how we got to where we are today. It's so much more than memorizing names and dates. It's truly understanding the past to help shape our future

History students get competitive positions in nearly every field - from business to government to technology to teaching. You will learn how to work well on teams, think critically, solve problems and turn data into compelling stories.

Our department offers two majors, a minor, and a graduate program. When you study history at Illinois State, you will be learning in small classes with our highly engaged and passionate faculty. We are unique in our wide variety of nearly 100 different courses. If you're thinking about becoming a teacher, Illinois State's history department produces the most History/Social Studies teachers in the state of Illinois.

Majors

  • A student works in a group with her peers.

    History

    What are you passionate about? History has it all - from World War II to Women's History to Ancient Greece. Dive into the things you've always wanted to study.

  • A student teacher smiles as his student asks a question.

    History - Social Sciences Teacher Education

    Teach history or the social sciences to high school students.

Minors

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    History

    A History minor pairs well with all majors. Tailor your minor to focus on your specific interests. Develop research, writing and analytical skills along the way.

Graduate

Financial Support

Learn how we can help support your academic experience.

View funding opportunities

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Advising

You have career and academic goals to accomplish. We can help.

Learn About History Advising