History

An esteemed program nationally recognized with our own Phi Alpha Theta chapter

Because the faculty emphasize interdisciplinary and global learning, the History program at Alfred University gives you a challenging and unique perspective on what was and is the world around you. With upper level courses that are intentionally taught with small class sizes you'll be able to engage with instructors and peers in lively discussions taking your education in history to a more personal and impactful level.

Program Snapshot

School/Division
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Campus Locations
Main Campus - Alfred, NY

Major
History (BA)

Double Major
Double Major option(s) offered.

Minor
History

Program Contact
Andrew Kless

[email protected]

Variety

Based on your specific interests, you have the ability to take courses in a variety of fields, from American Social and Cultural History to European Political History, and everything in between.

Interactive Learning

Learn how history is practiced in the digital age as you use digital archives, create historical podcasts, and take part in online conferences with field leading historians.

Nationally Recognized

Because of the History program's breadth, depth and overall merit Alfred University has been awarded a chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national honor society for students and teachers of history.

A Broad Range of Fields

Customize your learning to the specific field of history in which you're interested: American social, cultural, political and diplomatic history, ancient, medieval and modern European history, Middle Eastern history, Asian history, African history, military history, the history of science and medicine, and the history of gender and sexuality.

Historical Site Visits

A group of Alfred University history students and two faculty members of the Human Studies Division of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences returned recently from a trip to Ottawa, Canada, that included not only a tour of the Canadian Parliament but a sampling of Canadian food including "beaver tails" - Canadian for fried dough. Included were visits to Canada's Museum of History and War Museum. AU History faculty strive to expose majors and minors to history's influence on the present through local, regional, and international site visits.

Small Class Sizes

Small classes enable you to become well acquainted with professors and peers, and engage within lively discussion. New courses are offered as “Special Topics” courses to address current events, recent scholarship, and students’ evolving interests. Additionally, you have the opportunity to construct independent study courses and senior thesis projects that provide a well-rounded educational experience.

Historian's Craft

AU's History Methods course, Historian's Craft offers you marketable skills to launch your liberal arts education at Alfred into a job interview, graduate school application or writing/teaching profession. You'll learn to read, think and communicate like a professional historian through project-based learning, including original research with archival sources, digital humanities podcasts, oral history interviews and historical site analysis.

Faculty / Staff

In addition to being fully dedicated to the personal and educational development of their students, faculty members also take great pride in their active involvement in writing books and articles and participating in conferences around the world.

Mallory Szymanski

Associate Professor of History

Andrew Kless

Associate Professor of History & Global Studies

Sandra Singer

Professor of German

Facilities

All Alfred Facilities

Historic brick building with large trees and benches in front, under a clear blue sky. Peaceful and inviting, with a classic architectural feel.

Edward G. Coll & Carole Hulse Coll Center at Kanakadea

Map

Brick building with steps and trees in sunlight. Students walk along a path, creating a lively, academic atmosphere on a clear day.

Herrick Memorial Library

Map

Similar Programs

You should consider pairing your History major with a minor or another major in order to enjoy a broader range of career opportunities following graduation. Popular programs include: