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History

Explore the past to understand the present and shape the future.

At St. Mary’s College of Maryland, history comes alive. Our program encourages students to critically examine the forces that shaped the world—social, political, economic and cultural. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students become skilled researchers, writers and thinkers, equipped to pursue careers in education, law, public policy and beyond.

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Best Colleges for History in Maryland

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Study Abroad programs for students.

10:1

SMCM's student-to-faculty ratio supports students through their time on campus and beyond

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History Major

The history major at SMCM provides students with a deep understanding of global narratives, historical methods and cultural analysis. Core courses span U.S., European, African and Asian histories, while electives dive into themes like revolutions, colonialism, social justice, gender, memory and conflict. Faculty emphasize the development of strong writing, research and critical thinking skills. Students engage with primary sources, digital history tools and historiographical debates. The capstone St. Mary’s Project (SMP) allows seniors to produce a substantial piece of original research under close faculty guidance, often tied to their personal interests or career goals.

History Major RequirementsPlanning your History Major

History Minor

The history minor allows students to build historical perspective and critical analysis skills that complement almost any major. It’s a popular choice for those studying political science, anthropology, English, public policy, or international studies. The flexible structure allows students to choose courses that fit their interests—from modern revolutions and cultural history to environmental change and African diaspora studies. Whether preparing for law school or a career in journalism, the minor helps students understand how the past shapes the present.

History Minor RequirementsPlanning your History Minor
A man stands in front of a whiteboard giving a lecture to students. The whiteboard has the text “Francis Fukuyama → The End of History (1992)” written on it.

Courses Offered

History Courses

    History Courses>

Honors College Promise

History students at SMCM benefit from experiential learning that extends well beyond the classroom. Through the Honors College Promise, they have access to research fellowships, study abroad in culturally rich settings like Italy, South Korea, and the UK, and take part in archaeological digs or museum fieldwork. Students assist faculty on archival research, present at academic conferences, and intern at prestigious institutions such as the Smithsonian, Maryland State Archives, or Historic St. Mary’s City. These immersive experiences often become the foundation for their St. Mary’s Projects (SMPs), where students contribute original scholarship to the field.

Two young men sit on outdoor steps in front of a brick building, talking and laughing. One wears a jacket and pants; the other wears a T-shirt, shorts, and has headphones around his neck.

"Everywhere you walk on campus you walk on and past history ... All of my professors are so passionate and knowledgeable on the subjects they teach. So much so that their passion inspired a greater sense in me. I am now a History major and Anthropology minor, and I have become passionate about learning again."

- Sophomore at SMCM

OPTIONAL RELEVANT RESOURCES

After you Graduate

Graduates of the SMCM history program leave with strong research, writing and analytical skills that make them highly competitive in a range of fields. Alumni go on to law school, graduate programs in history and public policy, and careers in education, journalism, museums, government and nonprofit work. Some teach in high schools or community colleges, while others serve as archivists, policy analysts, or public historians. Recent graduates have landed positions at institutions such as the Library of Congress, the National Park Service, and international nonprofits.

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LATEST NEWS

Connect with Your Professors

All the faculty here at St. Mary's College of Maryland want to help you explore your interests and set you up for success. We look forward to connecting with you and meeting you on campus.

Charles D. Musgrove
Charles D. Musgrove

Chair of History, Coordinator of Asian Studies

cdmusgrove@smcm.edu

Honors Society

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Meet The History Department
240-895-4394
Kent Hall

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History Club