
History
Academic DepartmentAt the University of South Dakota, our Department of History houses numerous disciplines that exist at the intersection of curiosity, research, writing, storytelling and the human experience. Find the answers to your questions about people, events, institutions and values with the guidance and support of our exceptional faculty.
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414 E. Clark St.
Vermillion, SD 57069
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Welcome to the Department of History
The USD Department of History consists of programs in history, philosophy and Native American studies and supports the women, gender and sexuality studies program. We also offer minor courses of study in religious studies and classical humanities. Our faculty are expert historians, philosophers and thinkers who actively contribute to research in their fields and promote a culture of curiosity and community on campus. With a small student-to-faculty ratio, our department offers personalized mentorship so our students can work directly with acclaimed scholars and researchers. Our students have the opportunity to participate in enriching experiences in and beyond the classroom – including internships, study abroad, archival research and conference presentations – as they prepare for careers or further education in law, journalism, non-profit management, business, education, museums, libraries, cultural agencies and government, among other fields.
Join our community of storytellers, explorers and researchers
If you are driven by curiosity and want to learn about how the human experience has unfolded over time, the USD Department of History is the place for you.
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History
At the University of South Dakota, our Department of History houses numerous disciplines that exist at the intersection of curiosity, research, writing, storytelling and the human experience. Find the answers to your questions about people, events, institutions and values with the guidance and support of our exceptional faculty.

Research & Creative Scholarship
The USD Department of History is home to a community of curious and driven scholars. Here you'll find faculty who are leading insightful conversations and engaging in collaborative learning that challenges us to view our world in new ways.
You have opportunities to share your research right here at USD. The department hosts a the annual Phi Alpha Theta Student History Conference and a Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Conference that bring scholars from across the region to campus, and the philosophy program will host a conference exploring the role of money in shaping the human condition. Plus, the Schell and Cash lectures provide opportunities to hear from expert scholars.

Preparing Students for Successful Careers
By studying history, philosophy or Native American studies, you will explore people, events, institutions and values as old as the ancient world and as new as yesterday's headlines. Our students graduate prepared for careers in education, law, business, government and more. These disciplines encourage skills that will serve you throughout your life, including critical thinking, reading, writing, intercultural understanding, communication and research skills.
The unique experiences offered at USD – including hands-on internships in the Oral History Center and University Archives, personalized mentoring and valuable research opportunities – will set you apart after graduation. Whether you want to work in a museum, in business or anywhere in between, a degree in history, philosophy or Native American studies from USD will help you get there.