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
News and Stories
Dr. Apollos Nwauwa Committed to African Affairs
“A traditional belief about the study of history is that the teacher plays the role of storyteller and students are the listeners. But I believe it’s critical that there be incisive debates upon which the stories should be anchored. Students should be active participants in the discussion of stories and events. My blended teaching approach is intended to stir students’ curiosity to better understand not only what happened in the past, but also why.”
Alum Luke Nichter Receives Public Scholar Award
The National Endowment for the Humanities announced that Luke Nichter received the prestigious Public Scholar award. Dr. Nichter is an alum of BGSU’s Policy History Ph.D. program and is currently an associate professor of history at Texas A&M. This award comes right after Nichter’s co-edited books The Nixon Tapes were recognized with the Link-Kuehl Prize for Documentary Editing. The Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations awards this price to outstanding primary-source collections in international or diplomatic history. Dr. Nichter will give a public talk about the Nixon Tapes in the Hayes Presidential Center on October 8.
Passion for Scuba Diving Meets History
Alumnus and graduate student Mike Horton found the opportunity to combine two of his greatest passions: history and scuba diving. Through a chance meeting last summer with the producer of an upcoming Discovery Channel show, Mike learned about the search for lost Spanish shipwrecks in the Caribbean dating back to the 17th century. He’s now writing a narrative about the rise of the Spanish empire in the Americas that set the stage for 17th century life in the Caribbean, and is involved in research of other shipwrecks throughout the Caribbean.
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.