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Department of History

College of Arts and Sciences

The History Department at Indiana State University offers a comprehensive program that explores the complexities of human societies over time, providing students with critical thinking and effective communication skills. The department supports a variety of interdisciplinary programs and prepares students for diverse careers in fields such as law, education, and public history

Students looking at a display

Welcome to the Department of History at Indiana State University. 

History is the study of change over time in human societies.  It offers a path to knowledge that engages in a creative and critical exploration of the past to illuminate the patterns, complexities, and contingencies that shape the human experience.  Our faculty teach stimulating courses on diverse topics and regions, offering students the opportunity to master the ability to think and read critically, develop informed arguments on complex issues, and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.  In addition to the History major and minor, we offer programs in African and African American Studies, Social Science Education, a Public and Applied History Concentration, and a master’s degree available both online and on campus.

Our alumni work in a wide range of fields, including law, education, business, government, and beyond.  You will find some of their stories featured here on our website.  Additionally, several alumni serve as mentors and are excited to share career insights and advice with current students.

We invite you to explore our website, contact our faculty, take some classes, and consider the many benefits of pursuing a degree in History.

The program in History offers undergraduates a broad liberal arts foundation that deepens their knowledge and understanding of the world, stimulates effective participation in contemporary society, and cultivates deep-thinking skills required for success in a wide range of employment areas or graduate study.  The rewards of historical study include a disciplined intellect, a well-furnished imagination, and a recognition of both the unity and diversity of the human experience.

Coursework for both the major and minor includes surveys, methodology courses, plus electives in American, European, and World history.  Relatively small class sizes enable students to work one-on-one with talented and dedicated faculty members.  We also actively cooperate with other departments in offering cross-listed courses in African and African American Studies, Political Science, and Gender Studies​.  History majors and minors are encouraged to consider the University's Honors Program and study abroad programs, which range from summer programs to a single semester or a full academic year in dozens of countries.  A number of activities and organizations are available, offering opportunities to interact with other students and professionals, including the History Club and Phi Alpha Theta (the National Honor Society in History).

African and African American Studies

African and African American Studies offers Bachelor's degrees and a minor in African and African American Studies, in addition to serving all Indiana State University students in fulfillment of their university general education requirements. Degrees in African and African American Studies prepare students for professional careers in human services, education, law, business, community development and journalism. Additionally, course work prepares students for careers in the public sector, particularly urban institutions, as well as for leadership roles in intercultural relations and international affairs. Apart from its full-time faculty, the department maintains strong relationships several affiliated faculty members from various departments, incorporating a wide array of interdisciplinary perspectives and approaches.

Social Studies Education

Indiana State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education (SSE) with specializations in Economics, Geography, Government, History, Psychology, or Sociology. In addition to the SSE curriculum, students must also complete a professional secondary education sequence in the School of Education's Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Media Technology.

The Master's degree program offered by Indiana State University’s Department of History is designed to fulfill a variety of academic and professional objectives. The program facilitates preparation for entry into doctoral programs in history and for teaching at the university, community college, and secondary levels. Graduate work in history also provides an excellent background for careers in law, business, government service, and writing, and for specialized work as a museum curator, librarian, archivist, editor, historic site specialist, and research historian.  Normally broad in its academic scope, the Master's degree program in history is also sufficiently flexible to meet the needs of individual students.  The program can be completed either on campus or online.  Both options require 33 credit hours which can be completed in two years of full-time study or in about three to five years of part-time study.  Typical courses include intensive reading, research, and writing assignments combined with discussion boards and/or synchronous online meetings.  The online Master’s degree is designed to meet the needs of educators and working students. 

The program also offers an 18-hour Certificate in History specifically geared toward high school teachers in need of a credential for promotion and/or to teach college-level dual-credit history courses.  It will meet the needs of working professionals who need 18 credits, non-specified, at the graduate-level in history. Students will choose topics of interest among a variety of courses, but they must complete six credits at the 600-level, including a course in research and methods.  All courses will be offered on an online platform. Students who wish to continue in the Master’s program may do so if they hold a 3.5 grade point average or higher upon completion of the certificate.

History is a highly regarded discipline among leaders in the public and private sectors for preparing students for analytical and interpretive work in a wide variety of careers.  Equally important, a History education enriches students’ lives by imparting in them an appreciation for the great richness and diversity of the global world we live in today. You may wonder how writing papers about ancient Egypt can help you get a job in today's high-tech world. The fact is that many large corporations prefer to hire history and other liberal arts graduates for management positions. Why? Because liberal arts majors learn intellectual and communication skills that will serve them throughout their careers.  The history major gives you a sound background for careers as varied as law, journalism, business, teaching, government service, writing, librarianship, publishing, historical research, public history, or museum work.

Careers in History

Cedric Cook History Video

Cedric Cook

Caleb Fleschner - History Alumni

Caleb Fleschner

Kamae Sutton - African and African American Studies Alumni

Kamae Sutton

Weston Bohall: History Department Alumni

Weston Bohall

Sandy Senior

Sandy Senior-Dauer and Keith Dauer

The online history Master's program at Indiana State University provides an engaging, challenging, and rewarding experience for its students. The ability to discuss the reading with the professor and peers synchronously is not only valuable but essential in gaining a strong understanding of the topics under study. This engagement in real time also allows for students to form relationships with others; I have made several good friendships in the program without ever having met any of my peers in person. Additionally, the program offers many opportunities for scholarships and grants to help support its students.

- Cortney Robbins

What I enjoy about Indiana State University's history graduate program is that every professor I have had works within my schedule to make sure deadlines are being met without overwhelming me. In particular, the final project I am working on has been a great example of this, as the program has both prepared me for the project and encouraged me as I developed it. I have worked one-on-one with my chairperson, Dr. Lisa Phillips, for nearly a year on the project and have always felt I was moving in a positive direction that was allowing me to accomplish my goals of graduating the program, publishing it, and eventually becoming a college history professor.

- Brandon Turnau