About the Program
William & Mary history students learn to better understand the human experience across the globe and over time, preparing for informed citizenship in our complex and interdependent world. The diverse undergraduate history curriculum enables students to critically engage the past through broad surveys and more specific courses on Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and North America.
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.
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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# 3Best College for History in VirginiaNiche 2025
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# 5Best College LibraryThe Princeton Review 2025
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# 1Highest Percentage of Alumni to Earn Ph.D.s Among Public UniversitiesWashington Monthly 2024
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
"My 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 the fantastic classes." — Emma Henry '25, history and environmental humanities double major from Wallingford, Pennsylvania
Outcomes
W&M history students have found rewarding careers in law, education, business, museums, historic sites, nonprofit institutions, government and foreign service. Graduates also gain entry to some of the nation's top graduate programs in history.
Talk to Us
Want to learn more? Our current students and faculty want to connect with you.
Department of History
Contact Us
- Get an inside look: Contact a current history major
- Ask the faculty: Contact the Department of History
Courses Disclaimer
*Courses listed are examples. Course availability changes each semester.
