History

Undergraduate Major & Minor College of Liberal Studies

Bachelor of Arts

Two students walking out on the steps of Xavier hall in springtime.

About:

As a PLU history major, you’ll discover how the world got to where it is today — and learn how to think critically about where we’re headed next. You’ll explore a wide range of voices, time periods, and perspectives while tackling big questions about power, identity, conflict, and change.

There are also many ways to extend your learning beyond the classroom. Study abroad, collaborate with a professor on research, apply for fellowships, or get involved in history-related clubs and campus events.

When you graduate, you’ll be ready to make an impact, whether that’s in library and information sciences, government service, writing, social media, education, tech, law, business, and more. However you shape your experience, you’ll leave PLU with sharp critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the world — and your place in it.

Skills you'll gain from this program:

Research & Analysis — Learn to gather and interpret evidence from primary and secondary sources, spot bias, and build strong arguments about complex events and ideas.
Critical Thinking — Hone your skill in questioning assumptions, weighing multiple perspectives, and connecting past events to current issues and global trends.
Project Management — Through major research projects and internships, practice organizing information, managing long-term assignments, and presenting findings with clarity.
Writing & Communication — Develop the ability to write clearly and persuasively, translating complex historical information into compelling essays, presentations, and digital projects.
Collaboration & Leadership — Work with peers, faculty, and community partners to discuss, debate, and create new understandings of history, building teamwork and leadership skills.

Graduates from the last 5 years: Their jobs

Lawyer, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Explosive Ordinance Disposal Officer, United States Army
High School Social Studies Teacher, Auburn School District
Research Assistant, University of Washington
Financial Advisor, Northwestern Mutual Foundation
Field Organizer, Congressional Campaign

Graduates from the last last 5 years: Their graduate programs

PhD in History, Columbia University
Master of Applied Linguistics, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Law School, Willamette University
Master of Library and Information Science, University of Washington
Master of Arts in Education, Pacific Lutheran University
Master of Museum Studies, University of Glasgow

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“I've been able to study away (twice so far, and hope to take a history class abroad during J-Term), do research, and do an internship. This semester, I’m completing an internship in public history at the University Archives. We are researching PLU history and will help create a digital exhibit as the end product.”

— Katherine G. ’26

“Studying history and minoring in the Holocaust at PLU is very interactive and fascinating. We’re always learning something new, not just about past events, but also how they connect to today’s world. Whether it’s through readings or documentaries, we really focus on understanding different perspectives, both from historical figures and from our classmates during discussions, which makes the learning experience really engaging. We recognize patterns and trends in history. It’s really cool and critical to take what we learned and apply it to current real-world situations.”

— Erika A. ’28

“I enjoy the opportunity to get to know my students one-on-one. Through our small class sizes, we can really get to know our students and be not only their professors, but their mentors as well. Helping students think about careers, fellowship opportunities, graduate school, and sometimes just discussing how they are doing through casual conversations, creates stronger bonds between our faculty and our students. I find this very rewarding.”

— Gina Hames, Associate Professor of History

“I love teaching history because it is like solving a puzzle. Together, students and I analyze historical evidence and evaluate it, leading to a greater understanding of people in the past and the choices they made. Also, the skills we use — including asking questions, interpreting data, communicating clearly — are fundamental ones for any student in their career path after college.”

— Rebekah Mergenthal, Chair of the Department of History

Study Abroad

Interested in learning history where it actually happened? History students regularly study away for a semester, year, or January Term in England, Namibia, Trinidad & Tobago, Greece, Italy, and more.

#3 Best College for History in Washington. -Niche

Research

History students have an opportunity to participate in paid student-faculty research projects each Summer in Holocaust & Genocide Studies, Business & Economic History, and related projects.

86% of 2024 History graduates reported employment or acceptance into graduate school within 6 months of graduating