History
Undergraduate Major & Minor Social Sciences
Bachelor of Arts

About
Are you interested in new ways of studying the past? The History department at PLU welcomes all students to our diverse lineup of programming & opportunities—from academic majors and minors, to individualized research and fellowship opportunities, to students studying abroad or participating in clubs or activities. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for active citizenship and a variety of career opportunities, including library and information sciences, writing and social media, education, government service, jobs in technology, law, business,and more.
How does it work? Class sizes are small and discussion based, with plenty of opportunity to read and evaluate materials from a diverse selection of writers and time periods. We use the latest technologies and partner with campus and community groups to integrate historical storytelling with art, music, literature, environmental studies, business, and more! Prepare for your future while studying the past!
Check out our new History department podcast at https://innovativehistory.org
Graduates from the last 5 years: Their jobs
- Membership Coordinator, Washington State History Museum
- Director of Community Engagement, Bethel Lutheran Church
- Registration Coordinator, Washington State University
- Field Organizer, Congressional Campaign
- Case Manager, Catholic Community Services
- Project Manager, Life Transitions
- History Teacher, Bethel School District
- Special Education Teacher, North Thurston Public Schools
Graduates from the last last 5 years: Their graduate programs
- PhD in History, University of Southern California
- Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics, Boston University
- Master of Studies in Modern British History, Oxford University
- PhD in History, City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center
- Master of Education, Pacific Lutheran University
- Master of Arts in History, University of Colorado at Boulder
- Doctor of Medicine, Washington State University
- Master of Arts in Social Sciences, University of Chicago
It’s FREE to apply to PLU
When you're ready, we're here. Apply now and fulfill your potential!
Get StartedI chose to study history at PLU because of the community feeling and support that PLU provides academically. Unknowingly, my first history class was with the chair of the department, Gina Hames and being able to form that connection early on has been essential to my success. Also, the staff are extremely dedicated to making sure you succeed, your academic excellence is their top priority!
— Fulton B. ‘24
Did you know?
Interested in learning history where it actually happened? PLU history students regularly study away for a semester, year or January term in places like England, Namibia, Trinidad & Tobago, Scotland, Australia, Greece, and more.
Did you know?
PLU is ranked the #3 best college for History in Washington. -Niche
Did you know?
History is a popular major for transfer students; we accept most accredited classes and the major can be completed in two years.
Did you know?
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.
Did you know?
As a history student, you can join PLU’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, America’s oldest honor society for students and professors of history.