History
The History Department offers both undergraduate and graduate programs leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy.
Contact
Stevens Hall, Room 255
Orono, ME 04469
About
The History Department offers a wide variety of chronological, geographical, and thematic courses that enhance individuals’ understanding of themselves and the contemporary world by expanding their experiences to include the experiences of other peoples, both past and present. These courses range from ancient times to the present, cover most geographical regions of the world, and allow topical specialties ranging from women’s and environmental history to military and intellectual history.
History graduates find employment in a wide range of occupations. Traditionally, they have gone into teaching and education careers in primary and secondary schools and, with appropriate graduate-level training, colleges and universities. More recently, increasing numbers of history graduates are finding their way into private and public non-profit organizations and agencies, such as museums, archives and libraries, research and service institutions, legislative bodies, and planning agencies. Others find career opportunities in the private sector, including publishing, journalism and broadcasting, and law firms; in fact, history is an ideal pre-law major.
Undergraduate Studies
Our undergraduate courses all have a low faculty-to-student ratio. Lower-level courses (with 1XX and 2XX numbers) are often broad surveys, while upper-level courses (with 3XX and 4XX numbers) tend to be more specialized. Upper-level courses have higher expectations about students’ skills and dedication; however, beyond that distinction, higher numbers are not “harder” classes. It is also possible to take a graduate seminar as an undergrad with the permission of the instructor.
To complete the History major you must pass a minimum of twelve three-credit History courses, each with a grade of C (or higher). Of these twelve courses, no more than four can be at the 1XX-level, and the following courses are required of all majors:
- HTY 130 (only offered in fall, usually taken in first or second year)
- HTY 311 junior research seminar
- HTY 498 senior research seminar (capstone course)
At least one of each required seminars is offered every fall and spring semester. The specific topic for each seminar is selected by that semester’s faculty instructor. Since the research focus constantly changes, try to take a seminar when its subject interests you. Student research in HTY 130, HTY 311, and HTY 498 is highlighted at our end-of-semester programs in December and April, and family and friends are invited.
Graduate Studies
The UMaine History Department has four graduate degree programs (listed below), and we pride ourselves on offering the only PhD program in the humanities in the state of Maine. Our Department has a lively and engaged sense of community. Collegial bonds between faculty and graduate students are fostered through regular events like lectures, workshops, conferences, and social gatherings. All our graduate seminars are taught on a hybrid platform that allows remote participation in real-time with in-person faculty and students.
History club
Welcome to the UMaine History Club! We meet Fridays from 5:00-6:00 PM in the Digital Humanities Lab (Room 305 Center Stevens Hall).
We are an undergraduate student club dedicated to fostering a community of students who share a passion and interest in the study of the past. Through engaging events and educational opportunities, we seek to further enrich our members’ interest in history while promoting dialogue and critical thinking.
As a member of the University of Maine History Club, you will have access to a variety of events and activities, peer networking, and local history excursions. There will be history movie nights, trivia nights, guest speaker nights, and much more.
You can reach our President, Jeremy Collamore, at jeremy.collamore@maine.edu if you have any questions!
Events:
Maine National History Day
Maine National History Day (NHD) is an annual event for teachers and students in grades 6-12 that promotes critical thinking skills through project-based learning.
A list of important dates, access to the new rule book and evaluation sheets, instructions and templates for virtual submission, links to registration sites, and more, is available on the Maine National History Day website.
