Learn by doing
Learning happens both inside and outside a classroom. Whether you’re interested in leading a student club, researching a history topic that’s speaks to you, or studying abroad to learn the culture and history of Paris or Portugal, there are many ways to enhance your college learning experience.
Student organizations and activities
Our history department boasts two active student organizations where you can meet others who share your passion for the past.
The History Club meets weekly to share insights about the major, hear how recent history alums are exceling in their careers, watch movies, and enjoy refreshments.
Phi Alpha Theta, an honor society for history students that requires certain criteria to join, meets several times during the academic year to hear short, intriguing presentations about various historical topics. Here, you’ll have a chance to get to know the history faculty and spend time with your peers. The group is also involved with several service projects, including a book sale and the annual history department banquet.
You may also have a chance to take informative field trips as part of your history coursework. Some faculty members incorporate tours of local museums into their classes, while students in an upper-level course, “History of Racial Violence in Europe and the United States – 1865-1945” (HIST 4690X), travel to Washington, D.C.
Outside of the history department, the College of Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) offers lots of fun activities to help grow your circle of friends. Get involved in the Start Something LAS Academy, where you gain the skills, knowledge, and networks to explore your entrepreneurial ideas. Or develop your leadership ambitions through LAS Student Ambassadors or LAS Pulse. No matter your interests, LAS has resources to support you.
Internships
History majors interested in working in private industry, museums, or nonprofit organizations can gain professional work experience and career-boosting skills through internships. Our students have interned locally at Iowa State’s Farm House Museum, the Ames History Museum, and Living History Farms in Des Moines. There are opportunities beyond Iowa’s borders as well. History faculty members and the LAS Career Services team can assist you with finding an internship that’s the perfect fit.
