Historians are society’s storytellers — and its most vital critics. They work at finding the truth about the past and pay close attention to the diversity of the human experience.

History students at Hope cultivate a deeper understanding of the past through rigorous courses with first-rate teachers. You can expect your professors to know you by name, and you can develop the best learning experience for you — whether working one-on-one with faculty on a research project based on your interests or gaining valuable workplace skills through a local internship.

We prepare our scholars for leadership and service in a global society through on-campus mentorship opportunities and complementary off-campus study programs.

Within our two major and two minor programs we:

  • Offer courses that cover a wide range of time periods, regions and themes
  • Make writing a significant component of all coursework
  • Emphasize the critical analysis of primary sources as part of historical research
  • Engage students in collaborative research experiences with faculty members
  • Cultivate a diverse scholarly community

Students can join Phi Alpha Theta, the history honor society, apply for scholarships and attend monthly department colloquia. Every year we support student presentations at the Celebration for Undergraduate Research and Creative Performance and honor students through various departmental awards.

Recent student summer scholarshipHistory students in Paris

Recent Blog Posts

  1. History Course Preview – Spring 2025

    Posted by History Department '

    Take a look at our upcoming offerings as you begin to plan. Be sure to make an appointment with y...

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  2. Summer Study–Had Me A Blast

    Posted by History Department '

    Part One of a Two-Part Series Hope College History students spent the summer of 2024 doing resear...

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  3. History Course Preview – Fall 2024

    Posted by Michelle VanDenend

    Pre-Registration Advising March 18 – 29Registration April 2 – 5 Take a look at our up...

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  4. My Take: The Importance of Reading Fiction Together

    Posted by History Department '

    2023 Big Read Lakeshore Authors Yaa Gyasi and Jerry Craft The post

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  5. Dr. Wayne Tan, Associate Professor of History, Receives Two Book Awards

    Posted by History Department '

    Hope College Public Affairs and Marketing. (2023, October 25). Book On Blindness in Early Mo...

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  6. History Course Preview – Spring 2024

    Posted by Michelle VanDenend

    Advising week starts October 16thRegistration begins  October 30th Take a look at our upcoming o...

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Hope by the Numbers

  • 93%Employed

    93% of history grads are employed within six months of graduation

    See what our grads are doing
  • 83%First choice of grad school

    83% of history grads pursuing graduate school are accepted into their first choice

  • ½+Internship or research

    More than half of history students participate in experiential learning through an internship or student-faculty research

    Get involved
  • 12Scholarships

    Twelve scholarships are available for history students in their senior year

    Learn about our scholarships