Why study history?
The world around us right now is the product of history.
Tracing the turning points and individual actions that built the present helps make sense of the world around us and points to ways that we can make a difference in the future.
History students develop practical, marketable skills that transfer into a wide range of workplaces.
Our classes focus on how to:
- find and make sense of data ;
- apply critical thinking to that information;
- and effectively communicate an analysis to a broad audience.
Research, analysis and communication are in-demand skills.
Your history degree applies to a career in education, business, journalism, government, law and the non-profit sector.
For more information about career opportunities, see: What Can I Do with My History Degree? and our Alumni page.
Featured news
Courtnay Konshuh awarded 2026 CHA Teaching Prize
Hands-on courses in Medieval History at the University of Calgary exemplify innovative pedagogy that drives student engagement
David Garneau Wants You to Look Again
Books without words. Bubble-wrapped bison heads. Sunlight soap. In David Garneau’s latest exhibitions, everyday objects carry unsettling histories.
Mexican–Colombian Cultural Diplomacy in the 1930s and the Political Uses of the Past
New publication by Amelia Kiddle
In the media
In the News Alexander Hill, History, The Conversation
Zelenskyy’s honouring of wartime nationalists is straining Ukraine’s alliance with Poland
In the News David Bercuson, History, in the National Post
David Bercuson: Time for Carney to give up trying to send Trump a message over F-35s
In the News David Bercuson, History, in the National Post
David Bercuson: The simple truth behind the 'Nakba'
Understanding Arctic Sea Ice
Dr. John Yackel, PhD, professor in the Department of Geography in the Faculty of Arts, is leading an international team studying Arctic sea ice in the High Arctic. The project will improve satellite measurements to better understand climate change.
Connect with us
Please reach us at hist@ucalgary.ca