Military History Major

About our program

Uncover the stories behind military policies, institutions and the pivotal conflicts that have shaped societies. From the Crusades to present day wars, you’ll gain insights into how these monumental events influence the world today.

By reading deeply, conducting archival research and writing major papers on specialized topics, you’ll develop sharp research and writing skills — crucial for careers in academia, government or any field where critical thinking is key. Plus, you can get even more experience through internships at museums, archives and other public history sites.

Everything we learn and do at Marquette is in service to the greater good. That means you'll graduate with an understanding of how the causes and consequences of war can help shape peaceful solutions — and how you can effect change for the better.

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 military history from Marquette?

Most of our graduates go on to graduate or professional school, or into the military. For those that entered the workforce, here’s where some of our graduates landed.

  • First Division Museum at Cantigny, Illinois  
  • Furman University 
  • Harley-Davidson Museum 
  • Kohn Law Firm 
  • Marquette University 
  • State of Illinois 
  • TEKSystems 
  • U.S. Air Force 
  • U.S. Army 
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security 
  • Wisconsin Historical Society

collage of a building and faculty member talking to students

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.

 

Professional experience

Explore a career in education, public history, law, museum administration or the military. As a military 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 
  • Raynor Memorial Library Special Collections/Archives 
  • Old World Wisconsin

Explore our history-related 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: 

  • Herodotus as a military historian 
  • Gender and warfare 
  • The Sicilian Wars 
  • Finding the place of Mexicans in World War II America

Learn more about our history faculty research.

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 military history education with a semester abroad. Study program course work at prestigious universities around the world. Other international opportunities are available for students 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.