Yes! There are no prerequisites to become a History major. We recommend that all interested incoming first year students get in touch with our First Year Advisor Dr. Fitzgerald fitzgetj@jmu.edu.
Some students have strong preferences, for example a passion for medieval history or Southern history or public history; others are interested in history more generally. Either way you are encouraged to pursue your passion for history and to take a range of courses. For example, in 2024, we are offering courses in Africa and global connections (Dr. Owusu-Ansah), gender and sexuality in modern Europe (Dr. Davidson), the history of Latin America/ns through film (Dr. McCleary), maps and mobility in Islamic World history (Dr. Hanifi), and modern American technology and culture (Dr. Borg).
Yes. Everything has a history, and history is a natural complement to any other major. Many students double major in history and other fields --- from justice studies and international affairs to business and economics, even chemistry, biology, or psychology.
The Studio is a dedicated lab located in Wilson Hall. It offers history majors experience with cutting-edge technologies in projects that take advantage of virtual reality, 3-d printing, podcast recording, map making and large-scale printing, among others. Recent projects have included historical mapping of downtown Harrisonburg with Dr. Borg, study of “Objects of Faith” with Dr. Witmer, map making with Dr. Sandman, and podcast recording with Dr. Reich.
History is an ideal foundation for careers across the broad spectrum of society.
36% go on to careers in writing and research related to journalism, entertainment, cultural institutions, libraries, etc.
35% go into business and management (with research and communication skills that set them apart from business majors).
18% go into education (teaching, educational administration, or furthering their education in history).
11% go on to careers in law, politics, and public life (history is one of the majors recommended by the Law School Admissions Council).
Yes. Students are encouraged to study abroad on sponsored programs lasting from a couple of weeks to a semester or year on four continents. Faculty regularly sponsor programs in Ghana, Argentina, Austria, Greece, Spain, and France among others. Additional information on History Study Abroad is available at: https://www.jmu.edu/history/study-abroad.shtml.
Yes. We have students working in a variety of internships from local organizations to national and international institutions. Students can choose from internship opportunities we have set up or can tailor their own experiences to suit their interests. Our internship coordinator Dr. Borg borgkl@jmu.edu can answer any questions. Check out our internships at JMU History Internships.
Our projects are varied and wide-ranging. To name just a few --- Dr. Friss has worked with students on historic walking itineraries and urban landscapes; Dr. Herrington guides projects focused on architecture and historic preservation; Dr. Mulrooney explores the history of JMU’s campus.
We have competitive department scholarships and funding for various student projects, and we work closely with Financial Aid. Check out JMU’s scholarship hub.
Yes. We sponsor two History student groups: Madison Historians (for everyone) and Phi Alpha Theta (honor society), and we work with students for conferences and public presentations.
We sponsor the “Democracy in Peril?” lecture series and encourage research in our History Forum.
We bring renowned speakers and lecturers to campus. In the Fall 2019, students met with novelist John Grisham and biographer Jon Meacham to discuss writing and history.
Dr. Amin has taken students into the community to study records at the Rockingham Courthouse, and Dr. Dillard has taken students to Civil War battle sites. Faculty are engaged in community related projects including Dr. Gayne’s “World Is Harrisonburg,” Dr. Hardwick’s work with the national James Madison Fellowship promoting graduate study of the Constitution, Dr. McCleary’s work with Spanish teachers, and Dr. Fitzgerald’s mentorship of high school students in underserved communities.
For further information contact us at: history@jmu.edu.
