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Study History at William & Mary
Explore History at William & Mary
At William & Mary, the Department of History prepares you to understand the human experience across time and around the world, cultivating the critical thinking, analytical reasoning and communication skills that leaders in any field need. Through a diverse undergraduate curriculum, you’ll explore broad historical overviews as well as specialized seminars on topics ranging from American colonial history to global conflicts and cultural transformations. You have the opportunity to apply your knowledge while developing professional research and writing expertise. You can conduct original research, consult with advanced Ph.D. candidates in history at the Clem History Writing Center and contribute to W&M's undergraduate history journal, the James Blair Historical Review.
Leveraging William & Mary’s location in America's Historic Triangle — Jamestown, Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg — and the department’s award-winning faculty, history majors connect with primary sources, museums and historic sites, gaining hands-on experiences that bring the past to life. With the flexibility to integrate interdisciplinary study, you'll be well-prepared for a career in law, education, public service, journalism, museums, government, business and more — or to pursue graduate study at top programs in history and related fields.
History students leave William & Mary equipped to interpret the past, navigate the present and shape the future.
Curious to learn more? Join our contact list and explore what W&M has to offer.
Rankings
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# 1School for History BuffsCollege Magazine
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# 1Best U.S. Colonial History ProgramU.S. News & World Report 2024
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# 2Best College for History in VirginiaNiche 2026
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# 3Best College LibraryThe Princeton Review 2026
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# 1Highest Percentage of Alumni to Earn Ph.D.s Among Public UniversitiesWashington Monthly 2024
What Makes Us Different
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Award-winning Faculty
Many W&M faculty members have won some of the most prestigious awards for teaching, scholarship and general excellence.
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The Clem History Writing Center
Consult with advanced Ph.D. candidates on research and writing assignments. Explore the handouts filled with tips and tricks for strong writing.
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Proximity to the "Historic Triangle"
Study resources from American history in the places they were found.
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Pipeline to Higher Learning
W&M’s most successful undergraduates have recently been admitted to highly selective doctoral and professional programs.
Applied Learning
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Courses
Study various parts of history from Exotic Ports of Asia (HIST 150) to The Crusades (HIST 240) to The Nuclear World (HIST 319).*
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Research
Apply for competitive grants offered in support of independent study or honors research.
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James Blair Historical Review
Read W&M's premier undergraduate historical journal with essays from students.
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Phi Alpha Theta
W&M's chapter of the International History Honor Society sponsors events and activities where students interact with other majors, faculty and distinguished visitors.
Hear from a Student
The history major has taught me how to analyze the past, the present and the future. I’ve also been able to present work as part of class history symposiums! As a journalist, my major has influenced how I combine communication with activism and has improved my writing abilities. I could talk endlessly about my mentors in the history department and how fantastic the classes are! William & Mary has a place for everyone, even if you have no clue what your future holds.
