Department of History
Studying history allows you to sharpen your thinking and writing skill while exploring the rich, endlessly varied human past. A degree in history opens doors to careers not only in teaching and museums, but also in any profession that requires a sharp mind, the ability to process information and the flexibility to adapt to ever-changing circumstances, from foreign service to law.
Academic Programs
For Undergraduate Students
Learn about our program offerings at the undergraduate level: Bachelor of Arts in History and Minor in History.
For Graduate Students
Learn about graduate degree offerings: M.A. in History and Ph.D. in History.
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Meet Our Faculty
Meet the faculty and staff who support the students in the Department of History.
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Meet Our Student Ambassadors
Maggie Curl
Why is the History department a special place?
See Maggie’s Answer
Samantha Case
How did you decide to major in History?
See Samantha’s Answer
Harrison Dillard
What would you tell a high school student about the History major?
See Harrison’s AnswerHistory Events
Porter L. Fortune, Jr. Symposium
The Porter L. Fortune, Jr., History Symposium began as a conference on southern history in 1975. In 1983, it was named for Porter L. Fortune, Jr., chancellor emeritus, to honor his contributions to the success of the symposium. Past events have examined topics such as religion in the South, medicine and technology in the Civil War, women’s history, and the place of the United States South in the World.
The conference is held annually. It is a three day event that is free of charge and open to the general public.
Gilder-Jordan Lecture
The Gilder-Jordan lecture series, which was first organized in 2010 through the Center for the Study of Southern Culture, the African American Studies Program, and the Department of History, honors the support of Richard Gilder and Dan and Lou Jordan. Richard Gilder, one of America’s leading philanthropists, has supported the study of American history through the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in New York, Yale University’s Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance and Abolition, and other organizations. Good friends of Richard Gilder and his wife Lois Chiles, Dan and Lou Jordan are University of Mississippi alumni.
Latest News
OXFORD, Miss. – The early days of America are often told from the perspective of the East Coast, where George Washington and company forged a new country. But much of what made America actually originated on the mighty Mississippi River, a University of Mississippi professor argues in her new book.
Help Support History
The Department of History is home to professors with a wide range of expertise, in American history as well as most other regions of the world. We strive to make our students better thinkers, writers, workers and citizens.
In addition to our regular courses, we:
- Invite several speakers to campus every year to offer public lectures and interact with our students
- Offer our students opportunities to engage in internships and original research
- Help prepare students for graduate studies and the job market
If you’d like to support the department in its work, please consider a tax deductible donation through the University of Mississippi Foundation.