3211 Mosse Humanities Building, 455 North Park Street, Madison, WI 53706; 608-263-1800; history.wisc.edu

Why Study History at UW–Madison?

History is so much more than memorizing names and dates. Are you interested in technology? Religion? The environment? Human rights? If you have a question, history can help you find an answer.

The history major at UW–Madison is a great option for people who are interested in studying change. History asks, “How did the world get to be this way?” and “What factors might influence where the world is heading now?” Studying history helps us understand and grapple with complex questions and dilemmas by examining how the past has shaped—and continues to shape—global, national, and local relationships between societies and people. The skills that history majors develop are used in a wide range of careers and prepare students for graduate or professional study in fields such as law, business, medicine, public policy and much more.  History majors who are unsure of their careers can get great advice from our engaged alumni, who serve as career mentors, and by taking HISTORY 300 History at Work: Professional Skills of the Major (see the Advising and Careers tab for more information).

The history major can also be combined with any other major in the college of Letters & Science (L&S), anything from astronomy to zoology.  Majors that students most frequently pair with history are: economicsEnglishenvironmental studiesjournalism, and political science.  History majors can also choose to add certificates in L&S or from outside the college, such as the certificates in business or education and educational services.  In addition to these, some of the most common certificates for history majors are currently: criminal justiceglobal healthEuropean studies, and digital studies.  The history advising team is happy to discuss ways for you to make your intellectual and career goals work as part of a four-year plan.

Professors Boswell, Cheng, Dennis, Desan, Enke, Hansen, Hirsch, Houck, Hsia, Kantrowitz, Keller, Kleijwegt, Kodesh, Lederer, McCoy, McDonald, Michels, Mitman, Murthy, Neville, Plummer, Ratner-Rosenhagen, Reese, Roberts, Shoemaker, Sweet, Thal, Wandel, Young

Associate Professors Callaci, Chamedes, Ciancia, Gómez, Hall, Haynes, Hennessy, Iber, Kim (Charles), Kim (Monica), Kinzley, Lapina, Nelson, Taylor, Ussishkin

Assistant Professors Balto, Banerjee, Bloch, Brown, Esseissah, Glotzer, Hayes, Kennedy, Martoccio, Meléndez-Badillo, Ramírez, Stolz, Suarez, Useche, Villeneuve, Whiting, Williford

Teaching Associates Carlsson, Cullinane, Keyser, Rider, Rosenhagen