Department of History and Philosophy
The study of history is the study of everything. As a student in the Department of History and Philosophy, you will join faculty who love studying the past, thinking hard about difficult and challenging issues, and always pursuing the truth with honesty and integrity.
We believe that the best way to prepare you for great careers and valuable participation in civil society is through great classes, personal mentoring, and a supportive learning environment.
Student Spotlight
Meet Carlos, a senior business and history double major. He also has a couple of on-campus jobs as computer support and a photographer for marketing. “One of my favorite things I get to do as part of both my majors is make connections with scholars in my fields,” said Carlos. Follow along to get a glimpse of what it is like to be a business/history major!
College Experience
What will your college experience look like as a history major?
Colloquium: In addition to learning from reputable and published professors, you will also gain access to historians and professionals in a variety of industries. Our department regularly brings in guest speakers to present on their areas of expertise and dialogue with students.
History Club: History Club is a student-led organization for any WWU student interested in history. The club organizes social and educational activities as well as community-building and service events throughout the year.
Internships: Our department maintains relationships with local historical organizations that provide you with the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom. Popular internships include those at the Fort Walla Walla Museum and with the Washington State Legislature internship program.
Career Path
What can your career path as a history major look like?
Exploring the world of history will give you a strong foundation for a wide variety of career paths. Knowledge of history is crucial in many professional areas including law, education,, government service, international relations, politics, research, business, and healthcare. Many history majors prepare for future teaching roles or complete pre-professional programs in medicine or law alongside their major. Others use their training to embark on public service careers or choose to study history as a second major while they study science, music, or other areas in the humanities.