UVM history students develop flexible minds and sophisticated world views.
The word "history," Greek in origin, means "learning through inquiry," and that is precisely what our professors of history and their students do. At UVM the study of history is much more than memorizing dates, names, battles and treaties. Together, students and faculty discover and interpret the past by asking questions and conducting research. In the process, students become prepared to meet the challenges of a constantly changing and increasingly complex world. Learn about studying history at UVM.
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A community of scholars and teachers
Virtually every faculty member in our department has won or been nominated for one of the university's awards for excellence in teaching. We’re equally proud of the fact that we are a community of scholars involved in the active pursuit of historical understanding. Every member of the history faculty is a published author—as scholar-teachers we are committed to sharing our love of history and our search for historical insight with you.
Students of distinction
Not all students who enroll in our classes are history majors—and many who are history majors don’t plan on teaching history or becoming professional historians. What all of our students share is a passion for history and a desire to use its study as a means of deepening their insight into the human condition, sharpening their analytical skills, and improving their ability to express their insights clearly. They have chosen history as their main avenue toward a well-rounded education.
Ready for any career
Two UVM graduates from the department of history have won Pulitzer Prizes, one for journalism, the other for literature. The study of history prepares a student for the dynamics of business, law, government, or nonprofit careers. Historical knowledge provides details of past experience with which to test the feasibility of new solutions. It supports critical thinking, analysis, and clear communication—critical skills in any field.