About the Major in History
The history major is a well-rounded program that gives students the opportunity to
gain research and communication skills, in addition to learning about key historical
events and figures.
All history students take a series of core classes followed by major coursework. Students
take two required history courses before choosing from a wide variety of fundamental
and advanced electives — making this degree highly customizable to every student’s
interests.
UW’s history program gives students an opportunity to learn about exciting historical
events and eras. Here are a few of our students’ favorite courses:
- Medieval Europe in Film — This class uses films to study major themes in the development of Western European civilization between 500 and 1500. Students view, discuss and write about films while learning to evaluate films historically.
- "What Killed Socrates?" — This course reexamines Socrates’ trial in 399 BCE, which is widely regarded as a miscarriage of justice, in an effort to seek an understanding of the reasons for Socrates’ conviction.
- Secret History of Science — This course explores historical scientific developments. It focuses on the lesser-known men and women who contributed to science, as well as on seemingly superstitious beliefs that were nonetheless important to scientific advances.
- The US West Between World Wars — In this class, students examine two pivotal decades (1918-1942) in the US West through the use of historical documents, art, film, literature and music.
- Medieval Religious Dissent — This course examines the development of orthodoxy and persecution of religious diversity, including that of witches and Jews, between the 11th and 16th centuries within the historical context of the times.
History Minor
Interested in history? Add a history minor to your primary University of Wyoming undergraduate degree! Consider it today!
Learn MoreWhat can you do with a history degree?
A history degree opens lots of doors! You can work in museums, education, law, journalism, government or even business. It’s all about learning to think critically, research deeply and tell compelling stories—skills that will serve you well whatever route you choose to take.
- Museum archivist
- History Educator
- Curator
- Forest Service
- Librarian
- Journalism
- Federal Government (F.B.I.)
- Editorial assistant
- Paralegal
- Research Associate
- Washington State University
- Denver Public Library
- The Green River Valley Museum
- NASA
- MapQuest
- National Museum of Military Vehicles
- Buffalo Bill Center of the West
- Montana State University, Billings
UW’s History Department offers top value, earning a spot on College Factual’s “Best Value for the Money” nationwide list. Our students benefit from small classes, award-winning faculty and hands-on experiences like internships and study abroad—all at an affordable cost.
Absolutely! A history B.A. is great preparation for law school. It builds skills in research, writing and critical thinking, which are all key for legal studies. Many of UW's history grads successfully pursue law and thrive in legal careers.
