A photo of history students looking at historical documents

History

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Studying history at the University of Maine helps students enhance their understanding of themselves and the contemporary world by expanding their knowledge of the experiences of other peoples, both past and present.

  • Superb preparation for careers in law, education, public service, museums and journalism
  • Close interaction with internationally recognized scholars and faculty
  • Opportunities to network beyond the university
  • Supportive advising partnerships
  • Prepare students to assume roles in an increasingly global society

The History Department offers a wide array of chronological, geographical and thematic courses ranging from ancient times to the present, from North America to Asia, and from environmental to labor history to women’s history.

Students have the flexibility to define their major concentrations geographically, chronologically or topically. In their senior year, students take HTY 498, the seminar that affords them the opportunity to research and write history on their own.

The History Department offers a greater range of courses than any other history department in the state. Advanced undergraduate students have the opportunity to take some of the graduate program seminar offerings. Students also participate in the History Club, which sponsors social events, films and lectures.

Undergraduate students acquire the skills to discover and sift through information and distinguish between fact and myth, the serious and unserious; evaluate written or material evidence, closely examining evidence within a historical context and understanding change over time; organize events and ideas chronologically and explain historical trends; and recognize and apply concepts and principles in the discipline of history.

History graduates find employment in a wide choice of occupations. Traditionally, they have gone into teaching and education careers in primary and secondary schools.

With appropriate graduate-level training, they have taught in colleges and universities. Increasing numbers of history graduates are finding their way into private and public nonprofit organizations and agencies, such as museums, archives and libraries, research and service institutions, legislative bodies and planning agencies. Others find career opportunities in the private sector, including publishing, journalism and broadcasting, and business. History is an ideal pre-law major.

The Department of History boasts scholars and teachers with national and international reputations in American, Canadian, European and Asian history. The 12 full¬time faculty members have published more than 30 books and scores of articles and reviews in national and international journals.

The History Department awards nine scholarships annually. These include scholarships in Canadian, Asian, ancient and American social history.

Stephen M. Miller

Chair, Department of History


Stevens Hall, Room 265D
 207.581.1905 | stephen.miller@maine.edu

History

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences


Stevens Hall
207.581.1907