History at Lakeland University

Interpreting the Past, Preparing the Future

Understanding the past will help you comprehend the present and prepare for the future.

Strengthen Your Diploma

Versatility and Knowledge


“History majors understand the world and their place in it better than most people,” says Rick Dodgson, Associate Professor of History. “History students get a real chance to think about our world and the creation of their society in ways that perhaps other students don’t.”

Here at Lakeland, your History major or minor will strengthen your diploma and indicate strong versatility and knowledge. Often, students double major in History and Education to become highly sought-after school teachers. History majors are also natural, attractive candidates for law school, among other graduate school programs.

Like almost all of Lakeland’s programs, the study of History also involves getting out of the classroom and immersing yourself in real-world learning.

Photo of San galgano.

Thoughtful, Capable Individuals

Diverse Career Options

“History majors are usually quite literate,” says Dodgson. “They’re good at reading; they like reading. They’re good at writing. They’re good at summarizing information, summarizing arguments, seeing both points of view and being able to think critically … So, you end up with a well-rounded, thoughtful, capable individual that fits fine in the world of business, in the world of commerce, the world of entertainment – anywhere.”

History faculty with students in London on trip to Penny Lane.

Small Classes, Greater Experiences

Hands-On Learning

“What makes it special is the relatively small class size which allows us to do things you just can’t do at a big university with a class full of 350 people … In our classes, if it’s an archeology class, we go out and do archeology. If we’re studying ethnic history, my class goes to the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center, which is full of millions of documents, and our students research the immigration history of local people.”

In addition, internships are strongly encouraged and set up at local museums and archives.

Lakeland’s History Club is “probably as vibrant as it’s ever been,” says Dodgson.

The Club’s recent activities have included an open mic night at The Pub and a video game competition involving Assassins Creed 3 – a game based on the American Revolution.

Other regular activities include field trips (recent excursions have been to the Chicago Field Museum and the Milwaukee Public Museum) and the sponsorship of political debates in Sheboygan.

Lakeland University Student Participating in Experiential Education Program

Experiential Education

Real-World Experience

Lakeland's Cooperative Education program will provide History students with 12-18 months of full-time work experience, academic credit for their work, and a combination of scholarships and wages that will significantly reduce or eliminate post-graduation debt.

Cooperative Education

Do you enjoy critical thinking and seeing both points of view of historical events? Learn more about our Lakeland University's History program.

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