History
About Our Program
In the History Department, you’ll use the past as a tool to understand the present moment. That means tracing today’s major themes—like nationalism, capitalism, or environmentalism—back to their roots. We’ll also empower you to interpret the history of any given people, place, or point in time because we believe understanding history is about so much more than simply memorizing names and dates.
You’ll have opportunities to explore courses on a range of geographic contexts—from modern Canada to conflict in Africa. We’ll encourage you to study off campus in the places you learn about in class, and use your experience to enrich your research and coursework when you return.
In the process, you’ll develop close relationships with faculty advisors who become lifelong mentors. You’ll also become a skillful researcher and critical thinker, able to incorporate diverse perspectives, ask smart questions, and clearly articulate your ideas.
Learning Experiences to Prepare for Your Career
Our majors are trained problem solvers with a demonstrated hunger for lifelong learning. While some alumni do go on to become historians, many go on to successful legal, medical, scientific, or creative careers. After honing your skills as a researcher, writer, and communicator, you’ll be well-positioned for a rewarding career in just about any field you’re interested in.Robert B. and Susan G. Carlisle Research Award
Students interested in studying France or French-speaking countries can apply for funding to support their research—the perfect resource for students hoping to enrich their study abroad experience in Bordeaux or Toulouse.
Explore Research Opportunities
Senior Year Experience (SYE) or Senior Honors Thesis
Spend a semester or two during your senior year digging into a topic or theme that you’re passionate about, drawing on inspiration from your classes and abroad experiences. You’ll work closely with a faculty advisor as you craft questions, evaluate sources, and hone your skills as a researcher.
Historical Sites in the North Country
Get to know your new home in the North Country through its history. There are plenty of places to explore right in your backyard—like the Antique Boat Museum in the 1000 Islands, the Traditional Arts in Upstate New York (TAUNY) Center in downtown Canton, or the periodicals and special collections in our very own Owen D. Young Library.
Vilas Internship Fellowship
Apply the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills you’re learning in the classroom to practical career experiences that could give you a leg up after graduation. This fellowship funds your ability to pursue an internship or research project over the summer break so you can focus all of your attention on preparing for a career in a field that interests you.
Past Internship Opportunities
Learn by doing in a real-world environment. Our majors intern with a wide range of organizations, including:
- Paleontological Research Institution at the Museum of the Earth
- St. Lawrence Land Trust
- Goldman Sachs
- Frederick Remington Art Museum
- Department of Defense
- Boston Magazine
Volunteer Opportunities
You can also gain experience while making a difference through service work, including:
- Preparing and serving community dinners with Campus Kitchens
- Reading and math tutoring at local elementary and middle schools
- Coordinating after-school activities at the Little River Community School
- Building homes on service trips with Habitat for Humanity
Study Abroad
Just about every study abroad program includes a history component, making our major one of the most flexible for studying abroad. Choose from more than 30 semester-long programs offered in more than 20 international locations, including Australia, London, and Spain.
Kenya Semester Program (KSP)
One of the longest-running U.S. study abroad programs on the African continent, the KSP is a popular choice among history majors who take special interest or minor in African studies. Spend a semester living just outside of Nairobi, Kenya, and immersing yourself in the local culture through rural and urban homestays, field components, and a month-long independent study with a business or organization in Western Africa. The KSP also has a tight-knit alumni network that stays in touch and supports one another long after their time abroad has concluded.
Off-Campus Study in the U.S.
Other U.S-based off-campus study programs include the internship-based semester in Washington D.C., during which you’ll gain real-world experience and connect with professionals in one of multiple private, public, or non-profit organizations in our nation’s capital.
Short-Term Trips & Field Experiences
In addition to semester- and year-long programs, you’ll also have the chance to participate in short-term travel study trips with faculty members.
Connect with Community
There are 150+ clubs and organizations at St. Lawrence, and history majors take an interest in a wide variety of them, including:
- Association for Campus Entertainment
- The Hill News
- Java Barn
- Commons College
- Club Hockey
- Thelomathesian Society
- KSLU Radio
- Literacy for Nepal
- Model United Nations
- Islamic Culture Club
- Native American Student Alliance
- Stand By Me
- Ruckus Bus Ultimate Frisbee
- UBUNTU. Magazine
Alumni Network
St. Lawrence graduates are big thinkers, problem solvers, and fearless leaders at companies and organizations across the country and world. Our alumni network is the second-most influential source for recent graduate employment (only behind internships).
Explore the Power of our Alumni Network
Outcomes
Laurentians do not seem to shy away from complex challenges, and those working in public policy or advocating for change to enhance the lives of others are part of a growing community of alumni.
Why St. Lawrence for History
of St. Lawrence graduates majoring in the humanities are employed or continuing their education within a year
Campus buildings included on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Historical newspapers available through our library that you can consult for research
Of history majors participate in at least one internship during their time at St. Lawrence
Unlimited Access
As a St. Lawrence student, you’ll amplify your education with free access to reputable news sources like:
- The New York Times
- The Wall Street Journal
- Washington Post
- Access World News
of St. Lawrence students pursue more than one area of study
Popular Minors
- African studies
- African-American studies
- Asian studies
- European studies
- Caribbean, Latin American, and Latino studies
Recent Graduate School or Law School Placements
- Cornell University
- Pepperdine University
- University of Pennsylvania
More Program Information
Program Requirements & Courses
Explore history major requirements, as well as electives and combined study options.
Complementary and Related Programs
History Faculty
Meet Our Faculty
“As a department, we’re large for an institution of our size. The amount of sub-specialties among our faculty set us apart. We’re able to maintain small class sizes while providing significant support for student research and internships.”
Dr. Matthew Carotenuto
Dr. Donna Alvah
Larry Boyette
Dr. Anne Csete
Dr. Judith DeGroat
“My Honors Thesis, advised by Professor Carotenuto, looked at the history of conservation and pastoralism in Laikipia County, Kenya. It was a culmination of nearly a year’s worth of writing from my summer fellowship, historiography drafting, and primary source analysis. All my undergraduate papers led to the moment of its completion.”
Logan Hagerty
Expert, Passionate Faculty
Our faculty are experts on Middle Eastern conflict, American foreign relations, and West African history. Their specialties span the globe and they’re eager to help you explore the places and moments in time that intrigue you.
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We’re excited to learn more about you, tell you more about our interdisciplinary academic programs, show you around our beautiful campus, and help you navigate your college search.
Apply to St. Lawrence
We’re looking for curious students who are eager to make a difference. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications and consider all aspects of your application and what we learn about you.