History Major

About our program

Explore every aspect of the human experience and learn to think critically about the past, present and future. At Marquette, you'll approach history with imagination and creativity while developing your analytical-thinking and communication skills. Here, you'll get personal attention from professors who are expert researchers and historians. And internships in historical, archival or museum studies will give you valuable work experience.

Here, we view everything through the lens of service to others, and we think globally about issues of justice and values. For you, that means joining a diverse community of peers and mentors who are not simply content to learn about history but aim to use it as a tool to create a brighter future.

Marquette Hall, view from Wisconsin Avenue.

Marquette Hall, College of Arts and Sciences

Benefits you’ll get from Marquette’s College of Arts and Sciences

The ability to make significant positive change in the world requires knowing more than one area well. And since our College of Arts and Sciences is the most academically diverse college on campus, we're the perfect place to prepare for your role as a changemaker. So broaden your expertise by adding at least one additional major or minor to your degree — 73% of our students do. 

What can you do with a major in history from Marquette?

About half of our history graduates go on to graduate or professional schools, while the rest enter the workforce right after graduation. Here’s where some of our recent graduates landed.

  • Archbishop Riordan High School 
  • First Division Museum at Cantigny 
  • Furman University 
  • Harley-Davidson Museum 
  • Kohn Law Firm 
  • Marquette University 
  • State of Illinois 
  • TEKSystems 
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security 
  • Wisconsin Historical Society

Sensenbrenner Hall and student/professor discussion

Hands-on learning for career success

While you’re here at Marquette, preparing you for what’s next will be one of our top priorities. So, expect lots of learning by doing, connecting with others who share your passions, and reflecting on how you can Be The Difference.

 

Internships

Explore a career in education, public history, law, museum administration or even marketing. As a history major, you’ll have many options. An internship will give you valuable information about what you enjoy. Plus, you’ll get resume-building experience.

Here are a few organizations where our students recently interned: 

  • Milwaukee County Historical Society   
  • Encyclopedia of Milwaukee 
  • Marquette History Department 
  • Near West Side Partners 
  • Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear  
  • Raynor Memorial Library Special Collections/Archives 
  • Old World Wisconsin  

Explore our internships.

Undergraduate research

You’ll conduct independent, primary research, not only in the Research Seminar required of all students before graduation, but also in a number of other courses.

Here are some of the topics our undergraduate students have explored: 

  • Late 20th century female activism in Milwaukee’s Latinx community
  • Gender and warfare
  • Beauty and feminine Christian spiritual practices
  • Finding the place of Mexicans in World War II America 

Learn more about history research at Marquette.

Leadership learning

Become a people-centered leader guided by our Jesuit tradition. Join our E-Lead program sophomore year and you’ll complete a combination of leadership courses and experiences that prepare you to be the driver of innovation for the common good. You’ll develop the skill set to generate innovative solutions and the mindset to reflect on the impact your work has on the world. Bonus: You’ll graduate with a concentration in leadership, too. 

Explore our E-Lead program. 

Study abroad

Expand your history education with a semester abroad. Study program course work at prestigious universities around the world. Other international opportunities are available for you through core courses, summer study, language study, faculty-led programs or research. 

Check out our study abroad programs.

 

What to expect from a Marquette degree

A Marquette education equips students to thrive professionally and personally through overall student support, career preparation and an extended family that can't wait to meet you. But don't just take our word for it. 

#6

#6 Best College in Job Placement /#1 in Wisconsin

Zippia.com

#55

#55 in Student Outcomes

Wall Street Journal

#12

#12 Best Colleges for Internships

The Princeton Review (private universities)

Aerial of campus
 

Take the next step.