Welcome to MSU Department of History!
History majors learn to think broadly, and they develop skills in critical analysis, research, and oral, written and digital communication. They grow as informed citizens, and they find the joy of making new discoveries and conquering great challenges. Knowledge and experience gained in History coursework enables our majors to excel in a wide variety of fields such as education, law, government, international development, business, journalism, medicine, social work and much more. Make history and do so with an eye toward the future. Become a major.
News & Updates
- Professor Hawthorne in the Spotlight: Media Coverage Grows Around Enslaved.org Professor Walter Hawthorne was featured in several local media interviews and national outlets regarding the latest data published by his Enslaved.org project: When the project published its latest data, it… Continue Reading Home
- Dr. Nwando Achebe honored with University Distinguished Professor designation In recognition of her outstanding achievements in teaching, research, and public service, Dr. Nwando Achebe has been named a University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University. The recognition is among the… Continue Reading Home
- Former MSU Professor Josef W. Konvitz diesMembers of the History Department are sad to note the passing of our colleague Josef W. Konvitz. Dr. Konvitz was the author of several books, including Cities and the Sea: Port… Continue Reading Home
- MSU project documenting enslaved individuals publishes latest data of Black Americans born before emancipationMichigan State University’s “Enslaved: Peoples of the Historical Slave Trade” website, or Enslaved.org, is a project, in partnership with other organizations, that documents the lives of named enslaved individuals of… Continue Reading Home
- Department of History Celebrates 2025 Awards CeremonyPhoto: Some of this year’s outstanding seniors: Jared Visser, Sydney Kadlub, Emma Riddle, Christina Hobson, Anna LePage, and Thomas McAloon. MSU’s Department of History celebrated its annual awards ceremony on… Continue Reading Home
- In memoriam: Warren I. CohenThe History Department is sad to note the passing of Warren I. Cohen, who taught for many years in the department. Dr. Cohen was an internationally renowned expert on U.S.-China… Continue Reading Home