About
Studying the past, preparing for tomorrow
The Department of History at Notre Dame is a community of scholars dedicated to the rigorous study of humanity's diverse traditions and how they have changed over time. In line with the University’s mission to engage constructively and critically with the whole of human culture, our faculty prepare students to engage the world as it is and to transform our understanding of it. Our commitment to the principles of belonging and engagement enriches our research, teaching, and service to the common good.
- 40+ World-class faculty
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9 Guggenheim and NEH award winners
- 200+ Undergraduate Majors & Minors
- 15+ Senior theses written each year
Outstanding faculty
As members of one of the preeminent humanities departments in the United States, our scholars possess expertise that spans nearly every region, era, and subfield. Our scholars are internationally recognized as leaders, frequently earning prestigious fellowships and honors from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Guggenheim Foundation, and the Institute for Advanced Study. This culture of research excellence fuels our deep commitment to undergraduate and graduate mentorship.
Undergraduate and graduate studies
Through our varied course offerings and research opportunities, our program provides undergraduates with the analytical and conceptual tools to interpret the past and navigate an increasingly complex global landscape. Our alumni pursue graduate studies in history and thrive in careers as attorneys, medical doctors, business consultants, filmmakers, Peace Corps members, and educators.
Our graduate program is renowned for its scholarly rigor, supportive academic environment, and successful placement track record. We provide training in core areas of focus, including Medieval, Latin American, United States, and European History, with specialized research clusters in global, religious, and intellectual history. Notre Dame history Ph.D. graduates land placements in tenure-track positions at major research universities and liberal arts colleges around the world, while others forge successful careers in museum curation, government, and public history.
Prospective Students Graduate Studies
Support and connect
The Department of History thrives on the engagement of our alumni and friends. We welcome collaborative efforts to broaden our research and support the next generation of historians.