Choose your path and fuel your curiosity through the undergraduate and graduate programs in the History Department. Students have the opportunity to specialize in world history and public history - preparing them for careers in academia, law, journalism, business and public administration.
Online & Campus-Based Degree Programs
Why Study History at UIS?
Small class sizes that offer individualized instruction and close interaction with students and professors
Choice of in-person or online BA program, both with the same quality instruction, taught by the same professors
Access to internationally-renowned historical sites like the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the 1908 Springfield Race Riot National Monument, and Frank Lloyd Wright's Dana-Thomas House, among others
A rigorous, wide-ranging curriculum taught by professors who are experts in their fields and award-winning teacher-scholars
An MA program with a high rate of funding that fits your interests and schedule
Internships at libraries, archives, historic sites, and other institutions, particularly in state government
Alumni Spotlight
UIS History alumni learned actionable skills in their coursework that are applicable to roles in archive management, academia, research, public administration and teaching.
"The UIS Online BA in History allowed me to reach my goals with the flexibility I needed. The faculty gave me opportunities to pursue experiential learning that was relevant to my future career goals.
I credit UIS with giving me the foundational skills necessary to become an archivist with the National Archives and inspiring me to continue to participate in academics as an adjunct history professor."
Tara Bachelder - BA, History 2016
Department Mission & Vision
Mission
The History Department helps students understand themselves and the world in which they live by exploring the links between the past and the contemporary world.
Vision
The Department encourages students to compare elements of their own culture with those of other cultures from other time periods. Students of history gain a sense of what is unique in—as well as generally characteristic of—individuals, groups, and national cultures in the present as well as the past.
Support the History Department
Your gift helps build and sustain resources for the success of History students at UIS, including research funds, class projects, experiential learning opportunities and professional development.
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News
Jan 06, 2026
Get to Know Fulbright Scholar Dr. Francisco Ramirez-Trevino
Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Francisco Ramirez-Trevino arrived at UIS's campus in August 2025 from…
Apr 07, 2025
The Promising Prairie Star Recognition Program: Katie Brethorst
The Promising Prairie Star Recognition Program has recently announced the members of its…
Jan 29, 2025
Many of the artifacts represented in the exhibit include swords, a kimono, inros, and a flag. (Exhibiting Asia)
Dr. Peter Shapinsky's ECCE HIS 486:…
Jan 22, 2025
Meet The Faculty: Graham Peck
Welcome to our series of news stories about our faculty. Throughout the year, you'll get to learn about their interests and…
Jan 09, 2025
Jacob Friefeld, director of the Center for Lincoln Studies at the University of Illinois Springfield, has received the Caroline Bancroft…
Nov 19, 2024
Meet The Faculty: David Bertaina
Welcome to our series of news stories about our faculty. Throughout the year, you'll get to learn about their interests…