History

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.

Meet Professor Howard Eissenstat

Laurentian Associate Professor of History Howard Eissenstat is dedicated to helping students uncover the connections between history and the contemporary world. With expertise in the modern Middle East and hands-on experience in public policy, he brings current events into the classroom, fostering discussions that challenge perspectives and encourage critical thinking. 

What’s your favorite course to teach, and why? 

One of my favorites is my First-Year Seminar, What is the University For? It’s a unique opportunity to explore how a university experience fits into larger political, cultural, and economic debates, and also how it can serve to launch a student into their chosen field. Beyond the classroom, I love helping introduce students to alumni who can share practical insights about leveraging the liberal arts into successful careers.  

How do you make your history courses engaging? 

In my Middle East classes, we integrate current news into our discussions, connecting scholarship to real-world events. As a historian with experience in public policy, I strive to show students how history shapes the challenges we face and the solutions that are possible. By linking the past to present-day policy, students see history as a dynamic and relevant discipline. 

What do you value most about your students? 

St. Lawrence students bring a hunger for learning to every discussion. They’re not just attending class—they’re ready to dive into research, wrestle with big ideas, and contribute unique perspectives. I especially appreciate when they incorporate ideas from other courses or their own experiences, as it makes our learning environment more collaborative and rich. 

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

Get Career Ready

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

Explore Volunteer Opportunities

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.

Explore Our Programs

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

Learn More About Student Life at St. Lawrence

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.

Learn About Success After St. Lawrence