The study of History cultivates appreciation for the diversity of human experience and fosters empathy for the stories, traditions, cultures, and world views of historical groups and individuals. It also provides the foundation for informed participation in the local and the global community, by teaching its students how to apply critical thinking skills to solving problems.

Studying the past helps us better understand not only where we’ve been, but where we may be going. Historical knowledge has the power to be both individually and collectively transformative, and there is no better place in the Pacific Northwest to gain a critical understanding of the past than the PSU History Department. Our award-winning and internationally recognized faculty offer courses that span the globe and cover chronological periods from Antiquity to the Present, with concentrations in U.S. history since 1800; modern Europe and East Asia; Latin America, Africa, Russia, and the Middle East; ancient Rome and medieval Europe, environmental history, public history, and more.


Study History at Portland State University

Are you interested in teaching History at the secondary level? Watch the History Majors in Education: GTEP and Teacher Certification Alumni Panel. Learn about PSU's Graduate Teaching Education Program (GTEP) requirements below. 

The History Department participates in the Challenge Program, a dual credit opportunity for local high school students to take PSU coursework and earn credits at both the High School and College/University levels. Learn more about the program.

Are you thinking about pursuing a Master's degree in History, but don't know where to start? Visit our MA Program page for answers to frequently asked questions, how to apply, and more.

Are you interested in taking graduate level courses for continuing education, professional development, or personal enrichment? Find out how to register for courses without being formally admitted to PSU.


Oceanside Coastal Oregon sunset and waves splashing

Summer 2023 Department of History Newsletter

News about publications and accomplishments from History students, alumni, faculty, conference recaps and updates from Department Chair, John Ott.

Fall2019 cover

Newsletter Archives

Read past issues of the History Department Newsletter

VISIT

Physical Address:
Cramer Hall, Suite 441
1721 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97201

Hours:
Monday - Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm

Need remote assistance? Zoom into the CLAS Dean's Virtual Front Desk 
Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm

Mailing Address:
Department of History
Portland State University
PO Box 751
Portland, OR 97207-0751

CONNECT

Email: hist@pdx.edu
Phone: 503-725-3917
Fax: 503-725-3953

Subscribe to Newsletter: Stay in the loop with news and events from the department.

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