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
- MSU Professor of History Dr Liam Brockey’s first book translated into KoreanMichigan State University Professor of History Dr. Liam Brockey’s first book, Journey to the East: The Jesuit Mission to China, 1579-1724, was recently translated into Korean by Cho Miwon and Seo Gwang-deok (Busan: Pukyong National University, Humanities and Social Science Research Institute, 2024). The Korean translation of the publication can be accessed here.
- Enter our 2024 Student Photo Contest!Do you have some cool photos you have taken and want to win a prize? Enter our 2024 photo contest! Winners will be able to pick from a handful of prizes! Rules: Entries must be your original work and have a “history” theme, preferably taken while doing research or on study abroad or study away… Continue Reading Home
- MSU History Alumnus David Blight honored with College of Social Science’s Distinguished Alumni AwardBy: Patti McDonald The College of Social Science honored Michigan State University History alumnus and Pulitzer Prize winner, David Blight, during homecoming week with the Distinguished Alumni Award, an award given to outstanding alumni who have obtained the highest levels of professional accomplishments. He also gave a special lecture on “The Fate of Our Democracy… Continue Reading Home
- Faculty and graduate students from MSU’s History Department contribute to recent Midwest Conference on Asian AffairsFaculty and graduate students from the Michigan State University History Department contributed to the recent MCAA (Midwest Conference on Asian Affairs), held at the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies at the University of Notre Dame in September. Dr. Ethan Segal spoke as part of a roundtable on the ways that Japanese history is used… Continue Reading Home
- Michigan State University Fixed Term Assistant Professor Dr. Tim Retzloff featured in CBS News Detroit InterviewMichigan State University Fixed Term Assistant Professor Dr. Tim Retzloff was recently featured in an interview with CBS News Detroit in honor of National Coming Out Day. During the interview, Dr. Retzloff elaborated on LGBTQ history in Michigan and the Metro Detroit area. Watch the interview here.
- Professor of History Dr. Aminda Smith pens article for The ConversationRecently, Michigan State University Professor of History Dr. Aminda Smith wrote an article for The Conversation. In “What is a communist, and what do communists believe,” Dr. Smith provides an overview of communism and outlines its historical development. Read the article here.