The human story 

Become well versed in the human experience studying History through time, space and analysis. As a major or minor you’ll have opportunities to cover different periods, subjects and areas of interest. You'll learn to understand what humanity is by investigating what humanity has done and be poised to tackle emerging world challenges from a place of knowledge.

Student SpotlightJessica Duma '24

majors: history, greek & Roman studies 

"One of the best parts of studying history at HWS is the connection with Geneva. There are many opportunities to engage in local history through classroom and volunteer experiences. They have not only helped me develop critical research skills, but also an appreciation for and new interpretation of the 'town and gown' relationship."  

 

Honors
Honors and Research

And Research

History students looking to engage more in their work can study and complete Honors and research projects in their chosen topic with the guidance of a faculty member.

Recent examples of Honors projects include:

  • Walker Anderson ’21: An Examination of the Role of Clergy Spouses in Two Churches in the Finger Lakes
    Janette Gayle, Adviser
  • Brandon Dean Bistodeau ’19: The Naturalization of Profit Maximizing Capitalism
    Matthew Kadane, Adviser
  • William J. Cost ’18: A Glorious Martyrdom: Elijah Lovejoy and the Evangelical Mind
    Matthew Crow, Adviser

Experiential EducationGrasp the Past toEnvision the Future

Through the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education, meet alums who have graduated with degrees in history or attend guest lectures on Latin American feminism hosted by the Fisher Center for Gender and Justice. 

At Hobart and William Smith , learning goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. You’ll gain high-impact practical experience that deepens learning and opens doors.


GRADUATE WITH LEADERSHIP DISTINCTION

Amplify your History degree with the skills, knowledge and ethical foundation needed to be a leader in the 21st century. In partnership with the Centennial Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, our department offers the opportunity to engage in leadership development that culminates in a degree with leadership distinction and provides a competitive edge when applying to internships, jobs and graduate or professional school.

To graduate with leadership distinction, you will complete a series of foundational, action-oriented and reflective milestones within the History and Leadership curriculum. We encourage you to begin your leadership journey as early as your second semester on campus.

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No Borders:Global Education

Study American imperialism in Vietnam or historical religious perceptions in the Czech Republic.

Wherever you go, our top-ranked global education program will allow you to apply classroom knowledge, develop cultural understanding and build global connections that expand your personal capacity and sense of purpose.

 

abroad

 

Discover the roots, people, questions and legacies created by our past and explore their connection to contemporary life.

HIST 112 – Soccer: Around the World with the Beautiful Game 

Discover the sport’s industrial roots, its dissemination around the world and the sometimes hopeful, oftentimes violent and always controversial nature of the beautiful game's rich past.

HIST 202 – japan since 1868 

Survey the formation and development of Japanese state and society from the proclamation of the Meiji state to the present.

HIST 317 – Women’s Rights Movements in the U.S. 

Examine the creation and development of women's rights movements in the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries.

 

Alum ImpactPreparing for a Career in Law

katherine healy '23
Majors: History, psychological Science  

With a myriad of courses taken in history and politics at HWS, Healy was well prepared to attend George Washington University Law School on her way to a career in law. 

 

 

Companies That Employ Our graduates

  • Bank of America
  • Belltower Books
  • Brown, Gavalas & Fromm LLP
  • CBS News
  • Connecticut Science Center
  • Citibank
  • Corporate Executive Board
  • DeWitt Stern Group
  • Discovery Communications
  • Fidelity Investments Brokerage Group
  • German Marshall Fund of the U.S.
  • HSBC Bank USA
  • Liberty Mutual
  • Merrill Lynch
  • National Public Radio
  • Nova Group
  • Peace Corps
  • Rochester Business Journal
  • UBS Financial Services
  • University of California, Santa Barbara
  • The Washington Times

universities where our graduates are studying

  • Boston College
  • Cornell University
  • Heidelberg University
  • Montana State University
  • Northwestern University
  • Stanford University
  • Trinity College Dublin
  • University of California
  • University of Chicago Law School
  • Washington University in St. Louis