Department of History
Welcome to the BGSU History Department! Studying history—exploring the human past in all its variety and complexity—is intrinsically interesting and important, and it speaks to the fundamental human need to preserve, transmit, and interpret stories about our collective experience.
History has a practical side, too, as a preparation for a variety of careers and pursuits in the contemporary world. Students of history develop critical habits of mind; the ability to evaluate, interpret, and analyze a broad range of evidence; a facility for contextualizing current issues by placing them in historical perspective; and the capacity to communicate their insights effectively.
Historical study prepares students well for careers in business, politics, public service, education, law, and other fields, while producing engaged, informed citizens with a life-long love of learning.
FEATURED
What can you do with a History Degree?
A history major’s problem solving and analytical skills are relevant in many industries
Study Abroad
Studying abroad provides life-changing opportunities for our students to explore other countries, research different cultures, and gain practical field experience. BGSU offers hundreds of international academic programs in more than 50 countries worldwide.
This student-produced video gives a glimpse of the January 2020 study abroad course in Costa Rica. Through a two-week immersive study abroad experience, this project aimed to observe the biodiversity within Costa Rica and investigate the nation’s conservation efforts through excursions, lectures, and interactions with locals.
News and Stories
BGSU graduate students team up with the city to offer environmental history lesson
Department of History graduate students have created “Stories in the Woods,” an environmental history lesson told along the hiking trails of the Wintergarden/St. John’s Nature Preserve from April 10-May 31.
BGSU Department of History coordinates Region 1 for Ohio History Day
The Department of History is the proud host of the Ohio Region 1 contest of National History Day. This event attracts over 300 middle school and high school students from Northwest Ohio, including Toledo, Findlay, Napoleon and Bowling Green. Dr. Casey Stark, Assistant Professor of History, is coordinating this effort with The Ohio History Connection.
The Humanities in times of COVID
The Department of History, in collaboration with English and the Institute for the Study of Culture and Society, obtained a grant for more than $270,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities <neh.gov> to support humanities programs during the COVID crisis and to learn from the multimodal experience. Chad I. Duffy (English) and Amílcar E. Challú (History) are the co-principal investigators.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in History are expected to be able to:
- Understand the historical development of their own and other cultures;
- Understand how to think about the past historically by identifying and critiquing historical interpretations and analyzing issues in historical context;
- Be able to select and use evidence from a variety of sources, including primary sources;
- Communicate clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing;
- Recognize and develop connections between historical issues and life outside the classroom;
- Think critically and argue effectively;
- Examine current issues from a historical perspective.
Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review
Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
The History program is currently undergoing Program/Cluster Review.
Professional Licensure (If applicable)
Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.
Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The History program does not lead to professional licensure.
Gainful Employment (If applicable)
Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
The History program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.