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

New faculty for fall 2026

The Faculty of Arts welcomes 12 new members this semester

2026 Faculty of Arts rank professor promotions

Congratulations to the faculty members who have achieved this next step in their career

UCalgary scholars recognized among Canada’s leaders in health sciences

Three researchers elected Fellows to the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences

Federal funding for research in the Faculty of Arts

SSHRC Insights and Partnership Development grants awarded to faculty researchers

Outstanding Book award

Frank Stahnisch's publication honoured by the International Society for the History of the Neurosciences

In the media

Featured events


Social Sciences 2 Riley Brandt

Bold research tackles complex challenges

Faculty of Arts researchers are leading and contributing to federally funded projects exploring Arctic security, sensitive touch and the preservation of digital heritage for future generations.

Learn more

Connect with us

Please reach us at hist@ucalgary.ca