Department of History
Department of History at Western Kentucky University
Students will find a strong sense of community in the History Department. The department
is home to the History Club and chapters of Phi Alpha Theta, the Association for the
Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), and the Berkshire Conference of
Women Historians. The department also hosts an annual undergraduate research conference
and sponsors department, campus, and community programming.
The Department of History at WKU's programs allow students to explore and focus on
their interests while developing the skills for success in business, law, government,
education, non-profits, and other careers. Students will learn in small classes through
hands-on engagement, whether through immersive, role-playing games set in the past,
by examining documents or objects, or through site visits. Students also have the
opportunity of gaining hands-on experience through our many internship programs.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
AVAILABLE 100% ONLINE!
Whether you’re aiming for a doctoral path or seeking to enhance your expertise as a secondary social studies teacher, our flexible curriculum is designed to accommodate your needs through a hybrid or fully online format. Engage with a dynamic community of scholars while pursuing a course of study tailored to your unique interests. Our elective-driven curriculum allows you to take courses on the topics that most interest you.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
History students develop strong skills in research, analysis, creative problem solving, and written and oral communication, preparing them for careers in education, management, law, administration, business, sales, government, museums, library sciences, banking, journalism, and politics.
Concentrations:
- Cultural History
- History of Identity
- Peace, Conflict, and Human Rights
- Legal and Constitutional History
- Africana History
- History of Science, Environment, and Medicine
- Public History
The Social Studies major prepares students to teach Social Studies in grades 8-12 and to bring a range of skills from the social and behavioral sciences to the study of the past.
Religious Studies at WKU, multicultural and comparative by design, allows students to understand the central beliefs, ethical practices, ritual systems, and social institutions of diverse religious traditions in their historic, contemporary, and global contexts.
Program Requirements Learn More
Asian Studies at WKU, with courses in religion, language, history, political science, geography, anthropology, and art, provides students with an understanding of the Asian past and the knowledge to put current issues and problems into broader historical, religious, and cultural contexts.
Legal Studies is designed to prepare students for law school and legal careers. Students gain interdisciplinary perspectives on the law by taking courses in a wide range of subjects.
MINOR PROGRAMS
History students develop strong skills in research, analysis, creative problem solving, and written and oral communication, preparing them for careers in education, management, law, administration, business, sales, government, museums, library sciences, banking, journalism, and politics.
In the Africana Studies Minor at WKU, students study, analyze, and develop a comprehensive understanding of the rich and varied experiences of African descended persons and communities, considering cultural, social, religious, and political forms.
Asian Studies at WKU, with courses in religion, language, history, political science, geography, anthropology, and art, provides students with an understanding of the Asian past and the knowledge to put current issues and problems into broader historical, religious, and cultural contexts.
Religious Studies at WKU, multicultural and comparative by design, allows students to understand the central beliefs, ethical practices, ritual systems, and social institutions of diverse religious traditions in their historic, contemporary, and global contexts.
There are many reasons to study Latin America at WKU, from a personal love of Latin American music and dance to the professional advantages it can provide after graduation.
Legal Studies is designed to prepare students for law school and legal careers. Students gain interdisciplinary perspectives on the law by taking courses in a wide range of subjects.
CONNECT WITH US
Dr. Jennifer Walton-Hanley
Grise Hall, Room 231
Phone: 270-745-4723
Email: jennifer.walton-hanley@wku.edu
Dr. Alexander Olson
Grise Hall, Room 206
Email: alexander.olson@wku.edu
Dr. Audra Jennings
Grise Hall, Room 201/232
Phone: 270-745-3841
Email: audra.jennings@wku.edu
The study of history prepares students for a range of careers, including education, management, law, administration, business, sales, government, museums, library sciences, banking, journalism, and politics.
Legal Studies is designed to prepare students to get into and succeed in law school. The major also offers strong preparation for careers in public administration, government, diplomacy, non-governmental organizations, education, law enforcement, and national security.
With its strong focus on writing, critical thinking, and language skills and its emphasis on developing an understanding of Asian religions, cultures, politics, and history, Asian Studies graduates have pursued careers in government, national security, international business, and non-profit and non-governmental organizations.
Graduates in Religious Studies have gone on to work for religious, non-profit, and community organizations and in education, business and finance, law and government, and health care and counseling.
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