The study of history fulfills the goals of a liberal education by freeing the student from narrowness of vision. When a person can think clearly about the past, alternatives in the present and future become more readily perceptible.

Instruction in the department is designed to introduce the student to the historical process and to a sense of the past, and to present the history of civilization as a foundation for the future. History is a primary undergraduate major, preparing students for a wide range of careers.

Recent graduates have entered advanced degree programs in history, law, business administration, international relations, library science, education, public administration, museum science, and religion. Most students enter the workplace at graduation, going into business, government, service industries, as well as human services, education, and related fields.