Explore shifting cultural identities and borders from the ancient to the modern world. Identify the gaps in our historical knowledge and examine how we have crafted the narratives of the past.
Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts
Major, Minor
124
4 Years
Salem Campus
Alumni of the history program have gone on to have successful careers in a variety of fields. From law to teaching to research and writing, our graduates are working to preserve the past so we can build a better future.
Interdisciplinary education leads to exciting and unexpected results
Greg Orzell ’05, a history major, played a pivotal role in launching Netflix streaming, leveraging his critical thinking skills and tech experience gained at Willamette University. His journey from entry-level IT to directorial roles reflects the value of interdisciplinary education.
Learning From History
Peter Wyrsch (B.A. '12) specializes in conservation, with a focus on religiously motivated land use and values-based conservation. Holding advanced degrees from Yale and UC Berkeley, he works as a Senior Consultant for Filsinger Energy Partners, managing wildfire risk and contributing to forest management, project development, and community engagement across the western U.S.
Our history professors are experts in a wide range of historical topics and time periods. Their experience and deep knowledge will help you make the most of your time in the history program. Learn from dedicated faculty, build connections, and receive mentorship as you follow your intellectual curiosity.
Dr. Bill Smaldone specializes in modern European, German, and Russian history. His extensive publications and diverse course offerings support student success through comprehensive historical studies and research opportunities.
Dr. Seth Cotlar specializes in the history of the United States from the American Revolution to the Civil War. His diverse course offerings help students develop a nuanced understanding of early American history and thought.
Our history courses challenge you to consider the theory behind how history is studied, recorded, and interpreted. Classes cover a wide range of time periods and cultural identities to give you a broad perspective. Learn how to apply a variety of critical lenses to the current social, political, and economic climates.
Explore the history of women in the European Middle Ages and examine the ways European medieval culture represented and constructed gender. The course will focus on primary texts by and about women including devotional and courtly literature, poetry, philosophy, and essays.
Study the history of capitalism from its origins in the Middle Ages to the present. Examine the emergence of capitalism in Europe, its expansion into a global system, and its impact on politics, the social hierarchy, and the environment. Materials include recent historical texts, primary sources, film, and fiction.
Our History major requires 36 semester hours to complete the degree. This can be done over 9 courses with no more than 2 being at the 100-level and at least 4 being at the 300-400 level.
Students pursuing a History minor will need to complete 20 semester hours in History. Students must take 1 course in at least 2 of the following areas: United States, Asia, Europe, Comparative, Latin America, Middle East/North Africa. No more than 8 semester hours may be at the 100-level. At least two 300/400 level courses must be completed.
Our History program is open to first-year students, transfer students and international students. Learn more about Willamette’s undergraduate admissions process to get started.
Willamette University is committed to supporting History majors with generous merit scholarships and financial aid. There is no separate application required for these scholarships. All admitted undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, starting at $26,000 per year. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, taking into account cumulative GPA and SAT or ACT scores, if provided.
Willamette University