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
Aug. 12, 2026
VCU offering new minor in Native American and Indigenous studies
Debuting this fall in the College of Humanities and Sciences, the curriculum reflects growing ties to Virginia’s tribal nations.
July 6, 2026
What do the Middle Ages tell us about mental health then and now? VCU historian Leigh Ann Craig has answers
In her new book, ‘Deprived of Sense and Intellect,’ she examines sanity, demons, the complexity of medieval diagnostics and modern tie-ins.
July 2, 2026
Understanding the role of faith and religion in the founding of the United States
American independence took root amid religious diversity and differences, VCU history professor Ryan Smith says.
History Spotlight
Meet Heldana
Heldana Fufa knows that being a history student opens your mind. Visit our 'Meet a Student' page to read more about why this this native of Ethiopia selected VCU, and what she plans to do with her bachelor's degree in history.
