old letters and postcards

The Department of History

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

Comparing Canadian and Mexican history

Fulbright Scholar brings new perspective on North American nation‑building to UCalgary

100 Académicas Recomiendan

New e-publication by Amelia Kiddle

A socialist way of war? Soviet bloc military aid and Africa’s cold war conflicts

Alexander Hill receives conference and collaboration grant from the Royal Society of Edinburgh

PHOTOS: Teaching Awards honour best of campus educators and staff

Impact on student learning celebrated at annual event

podcast

East Roman archeology: goals and challenges, with Marica Cassis

A conversation with Byzantium and Friends about the archaeological study of the east Roman world and how it interfaces with traditional, text-based historiography

In the media

Featured events


image of Tracy behind a mic showing a book to the audience

OUTRO: Celebrating Tracy Dawson

Join the CDWP Writer-in-Residence for an evening of readings and conversation with Alberta authors marking the close of the 2025–26 residency.

May 20, 2026 | 7 – 9 p.m.
Festival Hall, 1215 10th Ave. S.E.

RSVP

Connect with us

Please reach us at hist@ucalgary.ca