The History Department combines teaching and research at the highest levels. Department faculty past and present have won some 18 Distinguished Teaching Awards and 12 Distinguished Publication awards from the University. The undergraduate and graduate programs provide students with a grounding in research and writing skills, and coursework in the history of the United States, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. Department faculty explore the past from a variety of perspectives including urban and social history, cultural history, history of women and gender, political history, economic history, legal history, diplomatic, military, and international history. In upper division tutorials and proseminars faculty work with undergraduates in small classes.

The department also seeks to foster student research through a number of special programs and research seminars that involve trips to archives and historic sites. Through its internship program, the Department gives students an opportunity to gain practical experience in a variety of fields while getting credit towards their degree.