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History, BA

Study history at Seattle University and develop analytical skills to investigate historical roots of contemporary issues and build a better future.

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About this Program

Exploring the Past to Understand the Present

The most important questions in a history classroom at Seattle University are “how” and “why.”

Equipped with these two questions, our students analyze the past in order to understand the present.

Our courses give students the theoretical, methodological and research skills necessary to seek answers to the questions that matter today.

We help students develop nuanced responses that are attuned to the intersections of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religious affiliation, time period and geographic location. 

The department’s emphasis on historiography—studying the existing histories of a subject—is especially unique in undergraduate curricula.

We teach students how to analyze a range of primary sources—myths, archeology, architecture, novels, poetry, paintings, photographs, diary entries, census data, treaties and cartoons—for audience, message and bias.

History of women and gender, empires and colonies, US, Latin America, the ancient and medieval Mediterranean, and African diaspora are some of the departmental strengths.

History Degree at a Glance

Learn how this degree from the Department of History will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

History is the study of the past as a way of understanding the present. A history degree strengthens analytical and research skills through critical reading and writing assignments. It also strengthens your ability to identify significant themes and trends throughout history, reach conclusions, and then produce materials related to the area of study.

A minor in history helps you understand the present and shape the future. History helps you learn how societies transform over time and better understand the diversity of the human experience. You’ll study conflict, religion, race, gender, politics, ethnicity and sexuality. It will also give you a better understanding of current assumptions and biases when you study the assumptions and biases from the past.

Seattle University undergraduate History students should be able to:

  • Analyze the historical roots of inequality and marginalization
  • Apply professional, ethical standards to historical practice
  • Critically interpret a diverse array of primary evidence, paying close attention to biases and truth claims
  • Synthesize a variety of analytical and theoretical frameworks to interpret change over time
  • Produce an original research project that applies current, context-specific historical methods and theories

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

Support for Your Success

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Public History Intern Program

History majors can earn course credits at public history agencies in the Seattle area, including museums, historical societies, archives and more. Interns often find the experience helps them understand history from a perspective different from that gained in the classroom. For some, the internship has led to employment in the field.

Phi Theta Alpha ring

Phi Alpha Theta

Seattle University has a very active group of students who participate in Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society. Activities include a highly popular film series, coffeehouse discussions, a brown-bag lunch seminar, and student-led panel discussions. Recent SU history students have won national Phi Alpha Theta awards for their research papers and conference presentations, and are the recipients of Phi Alpha Theta graduate student fellowships.

Contact Dr. Tom Taylor 

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Arts & Sciences Advising Center

Our advising center is dedicated to your holistic academic and professional through academic advising and promotion of academic excellence. We work to solve problems, provide navigational guidance and build connections.

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Seattle Univerity Undergraduate Research Journal

Seattle University Undergraduate Research Journal

Our peer-reviewed online publication provides an opportunity for you to publish your research. Publication can help you prepare for advanced studies at top graduate programs or demonstrate knowledge and skills when applying for non-academic positions.

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Prepared for Professional Success

A history degree signals an independent thinker. Our graduates have the critical thinking, analysis and writing skills necessary to excel in the workplace and the wider world.

Our program’s emphasis on methodology and historiography prepares students for continued academic and professional success, including in the tech world.

Many graduates have gone on to successful careers as teachers, lawyers, civil servants, museum curators, professors and researchers.

Prestigious Research Fellowships and Opportunities

Members of the department have been awarded Fulbrights and other prestigious fellowships to support their research, and they bring this research acumen to the research seminars and independent studies they direct.

The history departmental honors major offers an opportunity for motivated and capable students to engage in more extensive interaction with faculty and to complete challenging individual research projects that will further their personal and professional goals. 

History majors and alumni have been awarded competitive research fellowships to pursue independent research at local and national archives. Each year our students present their original research at the Phi Alpha Theta Northwest Regional Conference.

Funding is provided for students to attend this conference. Students have won regional and national undergraduate history awards, and have gone on to graduate work at major research institutions.

Hear From Our Alumni

SU Graduate Serena Oduro

Serena Oduro

Serena Oduro was a finalist for both a Rhodes Scholarship and a Marshall Scholarship, among the most prestigious national fellowships. Serena graduated from Seattle University in 2020 as a Sullivan Scholar with a major in History and minors in Business Administration, Chinese and Philosophy. This highly-accomplished student was the university's first Rhodes finalist since 2005.

20 BA, History, University Honors

Featured Faculty

All Faculty & Staff
  • Saheed Adejumobi, PhD
    Saheed Adejumobi, PhD

    Associate Professor, History
    Affiliated with African & African American Studies
    and Film Studies

  • Haejeong Hazel Hahn, PhD
    Haejeong Hazel Hahn, PhD

    Department Chair, History
    Professor, History
    Affiliate, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
    Affiliate, Asian Studies
    Affiliate, Film and Media Studies

  • Marc McCleod
    Marc McCleod

    Associate Professor, History
    Associate Director, University Honors
    Affiliate, Latin American & Latinx Studies
    Affiliate, International Studies
    Affiliate, African & African American Studies
    Affiliate, Environmental Studies

  • Nova Robinson
    Nova Robinson

    Associate Professor, History


    Associate Professor, International Studies


    Affiliated with Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

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