Student Support

Whether you participate in History Club, enjoy a cup of tea in our cozy student lounge, or get to know your history peers and professors during our many social activities, you’ll find your people in the Iowa State Department of History.

Here, you’ll be part of a friendly community of historians within a larger university. With close-knit classes organized around lively discussion, supportive professors who know you by name, and plenty of chances to pursue your curiosity, it’s easy to make connections here.

Our department also has a dedicated director for undergraduate studies. This faculty member supports your success through special programs and office hours dedicated to your needs and concerns.

Find your people

In History Club, you’ll meet peers and professors who love history as much as you do. Learn about fun historical topics like the history of Nintendo or dueling, network with alumni guest speakers, or learn about the research process of writing a book from your history professors!

If law is your interest, you may also enjoy Pre-Law Club. Learn from alumni in legal professions, take practice LSAT exams together, and more.

Iowa State also has a chapter of the Phi  Alpha Theta Honor Society, a special honor society just for history majors.

Get to know other College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) students through Graduation+, a program for all LAS students that provides guidance, support, community, and access to high-impact experiences on your path to graduation.

Academic advising

In the Department of History, your academic advisor is embedded within the department and can offer support and guidance to help you make the most of your experience at Iowa State.

Your advisor can help you select classes that fit your interests or career goals, share guidance on majors and minors that pair well with history, connect you with resources for well-being and academic success, and more.

You will also get to know your professors well here. Our faculty often leave their doors open for office visits, and they care about your success inside and outside the classroom.

Career planning

What does it mean to be a historian? As a history major, you’ll take “The Historian’s Toolbox” (HIST 3010), a class that helps you explore the purpose and practice of history as a discipline and introduces you to a variety of career paths.

When you’re ready to begin exploring career options, the director of undergraduate studies can offer one-on-one guidance for resume and internship search strategies.

If you’re interested in preparing to be a history teacher, you’ll have the support of our directors of social studies education who are experts at preparing history educators – our placement rate for future history teachers is over 95%.

You’ll also have access to professional career development education through the LAS Career Services team. In LAS 2030 – a required career prep course – you’ll learn practical strategies for career planning, and the team is always available to you for personalized career advising appointments, workshops, and more.

Scholarships

We offer several undergraduate scholarships for history students, including financial support for conference attendance, museum visits, research travel, and more.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences also supports students with academic scholarships and financial awards for student teaching, unpaid internships, undergraduate research, and study abroad.

Incoming first-year students and current Cyclones should complete Iowa State’s OneApp scholarship application form to be considered for all university, college, and department scholarships for which you are eligible.

The university provides a comprehensive network of academic support, health and safety resources, and supportive communities.