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The study of history involves the study of all human thought and action, ranging from the economic and the political to the psychological and the artistic. Combining the perspectives and methods of the social sciences and the humanities, it seeks to comprehend the problems and challenges faced by individuals and societies in the distant and recent past, nearby and far away. This understanding of the human experience provides the necessary historical perspective to explain the present.

The Department of History at Sonoma State University offers courses in US, European, Asian, and Latin American history in addition to courses with regional and thematic approaches. The department offers a BA and MA in history and a minor in history. After completing their degrees in history, undergraduates enter careers in a variety of fields including law, government, teaching, journalism, business, academia, and the non-profit sector. Graduate students pursue careers in education, museum curatorship, librarianship with some continuing their historical studies on the PhD level.

We welcome inquiries about our undergraduate and graduate programs, and we appreciate your interest in the study of history at Sonoma State.

Annoucements

Slavery in Sonoma County

SSU Department of History summer research project has unearthed new historical data on slavery in Sonoma County. Read more about it!

German minor flyer
New German Cultural Studies Minor!

Coursework includes six elective courses from History. Learn more

history journal cover
The 2023-2024 History Journal is Published!
Sonoma County Slavery Historical Project

SSU History students led by Professor Amy Kittelstrom team up with NAACP, Sonoma County to establish the Sonoma County Slavery Historical Project. Read more about it!

SSU History Dept. & the Rohnert Park Oral History Project

Professor Steve Estes guided students through a project that captured one of a kind interviews with key founders and leaders of Rohnert Park. Honoring RP's 60th Anniversary, the treasured collection is now part of a Sonoma County Library web exhibit. Explore the exhibit

SSU History Intern Helps with RP Preservation Efforts
James Mestaz photo
In the Spotlight

Dr. James Mestaz is featured in the American Historical Association (AHA) news magazine, Perspectives. Read the article

Mestaz Book Cover
Strength from the Waters, A History of Indigenous Mobilization in Northwest Mexico

A book by new History faculty, Dr. James Mestaz! Read more about the book

Glass of Red Wine
SSU History Alumnus wins Society for Italian Historical Studies (SIHS) Article Prize for Modern Italian History

Congratulations Dr. Brian Griffith! Read more and watch the video