Real-World Application
The knowledge and skills that history majors acquire prepare them for the real world. Gathering complex information, analyzing it, and presenting conclusions in clear prose are at the core of the historian’s craft—valuable skills in any job. Some history graduates go on to use these skills as professional historians. For others, their time in History has prepared them well for careers in law, education, business, administration, museum work, media and public relations, governmental and non-governmental organizations, publishing, and community affairs.
The History Department engages with its students and emphasizes getting out of the classroom with internships, research opportunities and study abroad—all great resume building activities, not to mention helpful in a student’s journey of uncovering their passions and strengths. Courses on offer are as diverse as the interests held by each student, and our faculty and advisor are available to students as they work through course selection and opportunities in the field. Support is also available in the form of a free writing and research tutoring.
Plan Your Major
Earning a History degree is both an intellectual adventure and great preparation for a wide range of careers. Our award-winning faculty teach classes on thousands of years of human culture, covering all corners of the globe. We hope you will join us to tackle big questions and develop life-changing skills.
Plan Your Graduate Study
Are you interested in acquiring the advanced training and specialization that can turn your passion for historical study into a career? Our highly selective M.A. and Ph.D. programs are built to prepare you for a multitude of careers in teaching, scholarship, public outreach, advocacy, and more.
Meet Our Faculty
The Department of History at the University of Tennessee features an award-winning faculty that provides a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum as well as graduate programs in three clusters: Modern Europe, American history, and Pre-Modern history (ca. 300-1600).
Go Beyond the Classroom
History students aren’t constrained by the classroom. They consult rare books and work with archival collections. They put their skills into practice with internships. They study abroad and work as research assistants. Our faculty are always thinking outside the classroom, too.