Mission

The Department of History's primary mission is to train undergraduates to research, analyze, synthesize, and communicate accurate conclusions about change over time by using the historical method. At the same time we aim to inculcate cultural literacy and provide the knowledge necessary for informed decision making by citizens of Utah, the United States, and the world.

This mission is reflected in the responsibilities of the History Department. Serving the undergraduate population through general education, general interest courses, the History major, the History Teaching major, minors in History and Classics, and interdisciplinary programs we give our students crucial work skills as well as enriching their lives.

On the graduate level the History Department prepares MA and MS students to research, teach, edit, and administrate by further enhancing their ability to ask hard questions, research them, and communicate their conclusions clearly. In addition we emphasize the acquisition of the skills of open inquiry and debate as well as team work and collaboration.

Context for the past

The Department of History offers a rigorous course of study designed to train students to research, analyze, and communicate accurate conclusions about change over time using the historical method. It was recognized with the university’s Department Teaching Excellence Award in 2012.

The department serves the undergraduate population through general education, general interest courses, and by offering majors in History, History Teaching, and Religious Studies. We also offer minors in History and Classics as well as interdisciplinary programs that help our students develop critical work skills and enrich their lives.

On the graduate level, the department encourages students to ask hard questions and investigate the answers. We prepare them to research, teach, and edit, and emphasize the acquisition of skills such as open inquiry and debate as well as team work and collaboration. Moreover, because the college encourages cross-disciplinary research, graduate students may tailor their master's program to take advantage of faculty expertise throughout the university.