About Us
One of UofL’s original departments, History teaches students to understand the past through evidence, context and interpretation – and to put historical thinking to work in the world.
Explore Comprehensive Programs
The Department of History offers comprehensive programs spanning American, European, African, Asian, Latin American and world history. We emphasize research, interpretation and hands-on public history, preparing students for careers in law, education, museums, archives, government and beyond through close mentorship and place-based learning.
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History & Mission
The Department of History is one of the University of Louisville’s long-standing liberal arts departments – among the original departments of the university – and its home in historic Gottschalk Hall keeps that heritage in daily view.
The department’s mission is to teach students how to understand the past through evidence, context, interpretation and clear communication. Undergraduate and graduate courses span American, European, African, Asian, Latin American and world history, and faculty train students to interpret the past responsibly – to work with sources, weigh competing accounts and explain how history shapes the present.
That work extends well beyond the classroom. Through internships, public history training and partnerships with Kentucky’s archives, museums, historic sites and community organizations, the department supports public-facing historical work across Louisville and the region – and prepares students to carry historical thinking into law, education, public history, government, nonprofit work, business, media and graduate study.
Who We Serve
The department serves History majors and minors; students on the 3+3 Track to Law; MA students; Public History certificate students; and the many students across UofL who take history courses for General Education or to strengthen pre-law, education, humanities, social science, public policy and international interests. Community members and professionals also find a home here through public history, archives, museums and cultural heritage work. Wherever you start, you’ll find courses, advising and hands-on opportunities designed to make the past useful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
History graduates work in law, education, museums, archives, public history, government, nonprofits, media, consulting, business and graduate study. The degree builds research, writing, evidence-analysis and communication skills – and the new Public History track adds hands-on training in areas like historic preservation, archives and media.
Yes. Historical study trains you to read closely, interpret evidence, construct arguments and write persuasively – history is consistently one of the most common undergraduate majors among law students. UofL also offers a History 3+3 Track to Law for qualified students.
No. UofL offers courses in American, European, African, South Asian, Middle Eastern, Asian, Latin American and world history.
Yes. Students gain experience through public history and cultural heritage internships with museums, archives, historic sites and local organizations.
Qualified students may pursue the Soaring Scholars accelerated BA/MA option, taking graduate-level coursework during the final undergraduate year.
Yes. The History minor is flexible and pairs well with many majors, adding training in historical perspective, research and writing.
No. Students begin broadly and focus over time through upper-level courses, advising, research seminars and electives.
Transform Your Passion for the Past Into Professional Power
Ready to turn your passion for history into professional impact? From Churchill Downs internships to Louisville's rich historical landscape, your journey through history opens doors across every field. Join the UofL Department of History and build the analytical, research and communication foundation that law, leadership and cultural stewardship demand.