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

UCalgary conference explores past and future of 100-year-old Royal Canadian Air Force

Speakers include government leaders, scholars, veterans, and members of the military

2024 Killam Awards recognize outstanding UCalgary researchers

Recognition for excellence in research and mentorship given across diverse disciplines

UCalgary History graduate receives David Barclay book prize

Mikkel Dack has won a prestigious award for his first book

In the media

Featured events


Doing the right thing: from Socrates to Cicero and beyond

Doing the right thing: from Socrates to Cicero and beyond

Explore the timeless question of what it means to "do the right thing" with Dr. Brad Inwood, a distinguished scholar from Yale University.

Nov. 29, 3 p.m.
Social Science 1253

Learn more

Connect with us

Please reach us at hist@ucalgary.ca