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
- Alumni Research Spotlight: Professor of History Dr. Amy M. Hay By: Patti McDonald Amy M. Hay, an alumnus of the Department of History at Michigan State University and current Professor of History at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, was recently interviewed and featured in “Poisoned Ground: The Tragedy at Love Canal,” a PBS documentary centered around the compelling tale of the residents of… Continue Reading Home
- History PhD Candidate Spotlight: NAEd Spencer Dissertation Fellow Gloria J. AshaoluBy: Patti McDonald Gloria J. Ashaolu, a Michigan State University History PhD candidate majoring in African American history with minors in U.S. history and Black comparative/diaspora history, was recently named a 2024 National Academy of Education (NAEd)/Spencer Dissertation Fellow. This prestigious fellowship was only offered to 35 graduate students nationwide. The fellowship supports these students… Continue Reading Home
- Professor Emeritus Dr. Lewis Siegelbaum receives Distinguished Contributions Award from the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES) By: Patti McDonald The Department of History at Michigan State University congratulates Professor Emeritus Dr. Lewis Siegelbaum on receiving the 2024 Distinguished Contributions Award from the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES). Founded in 1970, the ASEEES Award acknowledges esteemed individuals who have significantly contributed to the field of Slavic, East European, and Eurasian… Continue Reading Home
- Student Spotlight with ASMSU President and History Major Connor LeConnor Le, a senior majoring in history and political science (with a minor in law, justice, and public policy), was recently named the President of the Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU). We sat down with Connor to talk about his goals for the upcoming semester, his love for helping people, and what led… Continue Reading Home
- Two incoming History students receive prestigious scholarshipsTwo incoming History students were recently named Alumni/University Distinguished Scholars and will be recipients of some of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in the country. The scholarships cover full tuition, room and board, and a stipend for up to eight semesters of study, and are valued at approximately $140,000 for in-state students and $240,000… Continue Reading Home
- Michigan State University Fixed-term Assistant Professor Dr. Tim Retzloff receives Allan Bérubé Prize for his comic Come out! in DetroitBy: Patti McDonald Michigan State University Fixed-term Assistant Professor Dr. Tim Retzloff recently won the Allan Bérubé Prize from the LGBTQ+ History Association (formerly The Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History) for his comic book Come Out! In Detroit. The Allan Bérubé Prize recognizes outstanding work in public or community-based lesbian, gay, bisexual,… Continue Reading Home