Why study history?
The study of history begins with questions, not answers. We seek to know what happened in the past, and we also seek to understand why.
As our present-day context raises new challenges for our communities, historians are inspired to ask new questions about the past, seeking understanding of a broad variety of human experiences. Historians explore questions about past politics and economics, intellectual developments, social concerns shaped by race, gender and class, and facets of culture ranging from arts and languages to human spaces and emotions. As a result, the study of history is dynamic, rather than static, and those trained in this discipline develop valuable skills in gathering, evaluating, connecting and interpreting factual information, and in the use of evidence to argue persuasively for their conclusions.
Learn more about what historians do and why employers value these skills.
News
July 17, 2024
VCU Quest Fund provides grants to 21 faculty-led projects that target society’s biggest challenges
Transdisciplinary research teams are pursuing advances in health, engineering, the environment, homeland security and more.
July 2, 2024
VCU Breakthroughs Fund provides grants to 10 more faculty-led projects that pursue transformative innovation
Health, equity, sustainability and the human experience are the driving forces for transdisciplinary teams that target society’s grand challenges.
July 1, 2024
Andrew Crislip appointed chair of history
History Spotlight
Meet Mel
Mel Sheehan has a passion for history and wants to inspire others by making history fun. Visit our 'Meet a Student' page to read more about why this California native selected VCU, and what she plans to do with her bachelor's degree in history.
