Why Study History?

Studying history means learning how to think critically about the world. History examines the full range of human experience, from politics and economies to religion, culture, and everyday life. By exploring how societies have confronted change, conflict, and continuity over time, students gain essential perspective on contemporary issues and develop the ability to analyse complex problems. In History courses, the past is treated as an ongoing conversation shaped by sources and competing interpretations, not a fixed set of inherited stories. Students learn to evaluate evidence, question assumptions, and construct persuasive arguments.

The BA in History at Sonoma State combines a rigorous liberal arts foundation with flexibility to pursue individual interests. Lower-division courses introduce global and U.S. history alongside the methods historians use to analyse evidence and interpret the past. Upper-division seminars are small, discussion-based, and focused on specific regions, periods, or themes, including social history, religion, gender, violence, political and intellectual history, and the regulation of difference and belonging. Students also gain hands-on experience through faculty-mentored research projects, internships, study abroad, and participation in the nationally award-winning Sonoma State History Journal, where they develop practical skills in scholarly publishing, editing, and collaboration. Students also have the opportunity to present their work at academic conferences, and participate in undergraduate research forums at Sonoma State and beyond, including the Social Action Student Symposium and the SSU Undergraduate Research Symposium.

History majors graduate with strong abilities in research, writing, critical analysis, and communication. These capacities are highly valued across many fields, including education, law, public service, journalism, museums and cultural institutions, business, and digital media. Just as importantly, students leave with a deeper understanding of how societies work and how ideas, power, and human choices shape the world.

And if you want to take your learning to the next level, Sonoma State offers a research-focused MA in History for students seeking advanced training in historical methods and interpretation. Graduate students work closely with faculty on original research and prepare for professional pathways in public history, education, cultural institutions, and doctoral study.