Department of History
Discover the past, make sense of the present, shape the future
As you pursue your degree in University of Idaho’s history department, you’ll engage in rigorous coursework, original research and hands-on experiences to prepare for a career in education, business, public history, law, government or beyond.
You’ll investigate historical events and analyze societal change, contributing to ongoing conversations about the forces that shape our world. As a history student at U of I, you’ll have opportunities to participate in historical research, earn internships and join student organizations to gain practical experience while deepening your understanding of diverse cultures and historical perspectives.
Academic programs
Whether you're pursuing a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, our programs equip you with skills to critically analyze historical contexts and narratives. Flexible programs allow you to tailor your education to your interests, with courses that cover diverse regions and eras from ancient civilizations to contemporary global dynamics.
Undergraduate degrees
Graduate degrees
Minors
Learn outside the classroom
Take your learning beyond lectures and textbooks. The Department of History at U of I offers a wide range of hands-on opportunities that help you grow as a scholar, develop professional experience and connect with your campus and community. From internships and research to honor societies and outreach, these experiences prepare you for your next steps—whether that's graduate school, a career in public history or something entirely your own.
Internships
Gain real-world experience by interning with historical societies, museums, government agencies and nonprofits. Internships offer valuable insight into careers in public history, education, law and archival work. You can even earn academic credit for approved internships.
Get academic credit for internships
- Black History Research Lab
- The Primary Source Newsletter
- Latah County Historical Society
- North Idaho Museum
Interested in paid internships?
Phi Alpha Theta
Phi Alpha Theta is the international history honor society dedicated to promoting the study of history through research, publication, teaching and scholarly exchange. The Pi-Theta chapter at U of I has been active since 1970 and has earned national recognition, including multiple "Best Chapter" awards.
Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, the chapter offers opportunities to present at regional and national conferences, engage in community outreach and connect with faculty and peers through academic and social events. Members are also eligible to publish in The Historian, the society’s national journal.
- Undergraduates: Minimum 12 credits in history, a 3.1 GPA in history and a 3.0 overall GPA.
- Graduates: Minimum 12 credits toward a history M.A., a GPA of 3.5+ and 30% of degree completed.
New members are inducted annually and receive lifetime membership with a one-time $50 fee.
For more information, contact U of I’s Phi Alpha Theta advisor, Professor Ellen Kittell.
Student research
If you're curious, creative and eager to explore the past, student research in the Department of History at U of I is your opportunity to bring history to life. Through faculty-mentored research, archival projects and fieldwork, you'll gain valuable skills in historical analysis, critical thinking, research methods and written communication.
As a history major, you can work on research topics such as medieval manuscript translation, ancient coin studies, art and surrealism or Idaho’s Black history. Many students present original research at regional and national academic conferences, contribute to public history exhibits and museum collections, and conduct research abroad as part of study abroad programs.
Whether you're developing an independent study, working on a senior capstone or assisting with community-based historical projects, these opportunities help connect your academic interests to real-world impact. Student research not only deepens your historical knowledge, but also prepares you for graduate school, museum and archival careers, teaching and other professional pathways.
Scholarships and awards
The Department of History offers a number of scholarships and annual awards to recognize academic achievement, leadership and student potential. These opportunities support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in history and related fields. Awards range in value and eligibility criteria, from need-based scholarships to honors recognizing outstanding academic performance.
Each year, the department also celebrates excellence through the W.K. Hackmann Outstanding Senior Award and the Carlos A. Schwantes Outstanding Graduate Student Award. Contact Rebecca Scofield, department chair, to learn more about financial support.
Join our community
Join a department where curiosity, critical thinking and a passion for the past shape everything we do. In CLASS's history program, you’ll dive deep into the past, explore diverse historical narratives, engage in meaningful research and connect with faculty and peers who are dedicated to understanding the forces that shape our world. Through coursework, public history projects and campus involvement, you’ll build the skills and perspective to make a lasting difference in the world.
Next steps
Meet our people
Meet historians who are passionate about exploring the past and helping you understand its impact on the present and future. Our faculty are experts in U.S., European and global history, with research spanning topics from medieval politics to modern social movements. They bring their scholarship into the classroom and offer personalized mentorship to help you develop as a thinker, researcher and communicator. Whether you're pursuing original research, preparing for graduate school or exploring careers in public history, our faculty are here to guide and inspire you every step of the way.
Department of History
Rebecca Scofield
Matthew Fox-Amato
Zachary Conn
Dale Graden
William Holly
Ellen Kittell
Alyssa Kreikemeier
Jeff Kyong-McClain
Sean Quinlan
Alyson Roy
Alexandria Ruble
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