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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.

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News & Updates

  • History of the England Women’s Team at the Football Scholars Forum
    On Friday, April 19, 2024, the Football Scholars Forum welcomed historian Jean Williams for a discussion of her new book, Legendary Lionesses: The England Women’s Football Team, 1972–2022. Professor Williams is a historian and author of numerous books on women’s football history, including A Game for Rough Girls? A History of Women’s Football in England (2003), A Beautiful Game: International… Continue Reading Home
  • History of the Book seminar featured in Inside MSU
    By: Patti McDonald  Recently, during National Library Week (held from April 7th through 13th this year), Inside MSU showcased a photograph from Professor of History Dr. Liam Brockey’s seminar on the History of the Book in their newsletter. For World Book Day, celebrated on April 24th, 2024, the Department of History at Michigan State University… Continue Reading Home
  • PLS Public Service Award goes to senior Megan Smejkal
    By: Karessa Weir Graduating senior Megan Smejkal, who is majoring in history, political science, and economics has been awarded the Department of Political Science at Michigan State University’s Public Service Award, announced Department Chair Dr. Jeff Conroy-Krutz.  Megan will graduate with degrees in political science, economics, and history and a Minor in Social Science Quantitative… Continue Reading Home
  • Yun Zou credits History Professor for Success 
    By: Emily Jodway  Yun Zou, a Ph.D. student studying history at Michigan State University, credits her advisor as one of her greatest sources of support while she navigated the world of earning a Ph.D. as a Chinese student.  Zou clicked early on with her advisor, Dr. Aminda Smith, an associate professor in the history department.… Continue Reading Home
  • Associate Professor of History Dr. Matthew Pauly on Research Obstacles Amid the Russo-Ukrainian War 
    By: Patti McDonald  Dr. Matthew Pauly, an Associate Professor in the History Department at Michigan State University, is a highly experienced researcher of Ukraine, with over 30 years of dedication to the region.  Pauly’s first trip to Ukraine was in 1988 when he was a high school student. Since then, he’s gone on countless research… Continue Reading Home
  • Associate Professor of History Dr. Michelle Moyd settles into campus life at MSU
    By: Patti McDonald  Associate Professor of History Dr. Michelle Moyd joined the Michigan State University History Department in the fall of 2022 as a Red Cedar Distinguished Professor.    MSU established the title of Red Cedar Distinguished Professor in fall 2022 and awards it to selected current and new faculty to assist in the recruitment, recognition,… Continue Reading Home