History is the collective memory of the human species, and it is a method of investigating fragmentary pieces of evidence in order to construct a narrative that makes sense of the past. Alumni of our department have gone on to successful careers in law, teaching, national parks, and historical societies.
As a department, we are committed to tradition and innovation. We integrate methods and evidence from anthropology, biology, geography and other disciplines to contextualize human cultures as they interact with the natural environment and other animals on this planet. Through history, we gain perspective on why we do the things we do, and we acquire the transferable skills that have helped our graduates begin new and exciting careers.
Our Programs
Our Faculty
Members of the faculty have earned National Endowment for the Humanities grants and Fulbright Fellowships. They have been interviewed by the BBC and The New York Times, among other media outlets.
The Future of History
As long as we remain human, and perhaps especially as we increasingly interface with computers, there is a future for the humanities. History has a future, as we continue to reflect upon the successes and failures of humans living together in society. The Ball State University Department of History would like to have you join us on our quest.
Contacting Us to Learn More
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the department. Our Individual faculty members are active teachers and researchers who have developed their expertise through the years, and who are here to serve current and prospective students—and the broader community. We aim to be part of a global historical conversation.