St. Paul's  Cathedral reflected in modern buildings nearby

History Department

How did we get here? What were other times like? How and why do things change?

We live in interesting times! Now more than ever, it is important to understand how we got here, but also that "here" was not inevitable – that history is about contingency, about the factors and choices that shape a particular path, as well as about different times, societies, and possibilities. A History degree gives you the unique perspective acquired by studying the past and by understanding how the past is reflected and refracted in the present. The LMU History curriculum will train you to be alert, critical, and inquisitive – a careful and keen researcher and writer. Studying a broad range of places and times, you will become an informed global citizen, able to participate in public life with articulate, effective, and persuasive arguments. Your own research will demonstrate that historical interpretations are always changing, while your ability to make sense of complex problems will make you an effective decision-maker. When you graduate, you will be prepared to follow any career you choose, armed with knowledge, skepticism, empathy, eloquence – and perspective. Explore our website or read our FAQ to learn more. 

Explore the Success Stories of our History Majors and Minors here to learn more about the experiences of LMU History Students!

Check out the Inclusive History and Images Project and read about the experiences of LMU students engaging in public history through Dr. Margarita Ochoa's class, HIST 4999: The Oral History of LMU! The IHIP is an interdisciplinary initiative supported by the Department of History designed to address important gaps in understanding our own institutional history by gathering stories and images from alumni and the greater LMU community to tell the full and inclusive LMU story. 

Watch the LMU History Trailer
Headshot of Key Into Public Service Scholar
Veronica Backer-Peral '22 awarded prestigious Phi Beta Kappa scholarship
Student Spotlight!
In 2022, History Major Kioni Shropshire-Maina '23 served a Congressional Intern for the Office of US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). Read about her experience here.
Woman Life Freedom: Understanding the Protests in Iran
Woman Life Freedom: Understanding the Protests in Iran takes place Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 12pm.
Question marks on pavement
Politics, education, business... Studying history prepares you for a range of jobs. Here's how.
The Jesuit symbol in white against a red background
History students organize a public history exhibit on the global legacies of the Jesuits.
The headline
History faculty, guest speakers, and students hold a roundtable discussion on the history of reproductive rights in light of recent state laws and federal court rulings.
A schedule in white ink on a red background, of the history department's
Check out our social media series featuring conversations with LMU historians on a variety of topics.