Academics

Students interested in history at Western Michigan University select one of two distinct majors:

As a history major or minor you will receive an in depth education on a wide range of fascinating historical topics, including:

• US, European, and World History
• Ancient, medieval, early modern and modern history
• History of Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia
• Specialized topics, such as World War II and the Holocaust, slavery, sports, gender, the environment, the Renaissance, the history of food, and more

WMU’s public history major and minor are unique and internationally renowned, and is one of only three undergraduate public history programs in the country.

Public historians work in a wide variety of fields, including:

Museums, monuments and memorials

Historic and archeological sites, archives and libraries

National parks and other governmental organizations

As preservationists, tour guides, or interpreters 

And focus areas of study include:

• American, European, and world history
• Ancient, medieval, early modern, and modern history
• Specialized topics such as World War II and the Holocaust, slavery, sports, gender, the Renaissance, and the history of food

In addition, you will receive extensive, specialized professional training in archives administration, museum studies, and historic preservation. A major part of your training as a Public History professional will be hands-on, consisting of two separate field internships.

• Undergraduate Catalog
• Undergraduate handbook
• Internship Guidelines