Earn Your History Degree on-campus in La Grande, Oregon or Online at Eastern Oregon University.
Master the critical thinking, research, and advanced writing skills necessary to navigate our complex global society. Whether you choose our traditional, small-class on-campus experience in La Grande or our highly flexible, 100% online program, you will work one-on-one with published historians to analyze our past and shape your future.
- Individualized Thesis Mentorship: Collaborate directly with PhD-degreed faculty to complete a supervised senior thesis based on primary source research.
- Unmatched Personal Attention: Lower-division courses are capped at 35 students, and upper-division courses average just 10-15, fostering intensive scholarly debate.
- Transfer-Credit Friendly: Maximize your prior coursework by transferring up to 135 credits of college-level work directly into the degree program.
Among the resources supporting our students and with the support of a generous donor, the History Department offers an annual award opportunity for outstanding, current students at EOU majoring in History to help defray some school-related costs (amount varies by year depending on availability). Learn more and apply for the History Scholarship.
Uncover the Continuity of Culture and Develop the Tools of Citizenship
Eastern Oregon University’s History program offers a highly personalized, research-intensive curriculum designed for analytical minds. Unlike larger universities where students are lost in lecture halls, EOU pairs you with active, published researchers from day one.
- Choose Your Degree Type: Earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) by incorporating science and mathematics credits, or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) by selecting foreign language credits.
- Flexible Foundations: Establish a broad-based historical background that serves as a launchpad for specialized study, law school, or advanced business and teaching careers.
- Accelerated Completion: Use our generous transfer policy to enter the workforce or graduate school faster, avoiding redundant classes and minimizing educational debt.
- Total Credits: 180 Quarter Credits
- Upper-Division Class Capping: 10 to 15 Students
- Transfer Gateway: Up to 135 Credits Accepted
Core competencies
Conduct deep historical investigations using archival collections, primary databases, and secondary source evaluations.
Master the ability to digest, evaluate, and critically analyze complex textual structures and competing historical narratives.
Develop exceptional skills in formulating rigorous, clear, and persuasive written arguments with sophisticated citation methodologies.
Analyze the historical roots of contemporary societies, cultures, and institutions to contextualize modern global issues.
Apply analytical rigor and systematic reasoning to resolve complex problems in personal, professional, and civic environments.
Develop the perspective, ethical frameworks, and knowledge bases necessary to serve as reflective, active community members.
LEARNING OPTIONS & DELIVERY MODALITIES
In-Person (La Grande)
The Mountaineer Experience
Experience an engaging, student-centered campus community in the beautiful Grande Ronde Valley. Perfect for students seeking traditional classroom debates and face-to-face peer groups.
Highlights: • Small class sizes with personalized instructor feedback.• Direct access to campus libraries, research labs, and regional networks.• Participate in EOU’s on-campus clubs and quarterly speaker events.
Online
Uncompromising Flexibility
Highlights: • No on-campus requirements — study where and when it’s best for you.• Identical curriculum, assignments, and credentialing as on-campus programs.• Full access to EOU’s online advising, library resources, and tutoring centers.
Maximize Your Prior Credits
Turn your previous college coursework or Associate degree into a powerful, career-accelerating bachelor’s degree at EOU.
Highlights: • Flexible transfer policy — EOU accepts up to 135 credits from other institutions. • Seamlessly integrate previous credits. • Personalized advisor support to build a fast-track completion plan. • Accelerate your timeline to save money and enter the job market sooner.
Collaborate with Published Historical Experts
At EOU, your history courses are developed and led by professors and active historians who possess varied research interests and active publishing records.
Our small department size ensures that you are never a number. Our faculty work closely with you as mentors, guiding you through primary database systems, reviewing your writing mechanics, and supervising your senior thesis. Whether you study online or on-campus, you will receive personalized attention and direct feedback to support your scholarly journey.
The History Capstone
The culmination of the History degree is the capstone, which students complete in the final term of their senior year at Eastern. The capstone (HIST 403) is offered on campus and online every academic year. The course typically adheres to a given historical period, region, or topic. Examples from past terms include “The American West,” “The History of the Renaissance,” and “World War II.” Students undertake a ten-week research and writing project and produce a multiple-draft, fifteen- to twenty-page term paper that incorporates primary and secondary sources. Honors-quality capstones, as decided on by the department, will be printed and housed at the EOU Library.
Are you planning to teach?
Students planning to teach should consult with Education advisers as early as possible. ED 142 – Education Orientation is strongly recommended. Students planning to teach in secondary must have a BA/BS in an appropriate content area and may earn licensure through the MAT program. History majors are advised to obtain additional breadth in the social sciences to prepare for the current State Mandated Content Examination and to be prepared to teach the social studies courses offered in Oregon’s high schools which include U.S. History, government, world civilization, and economics.
With this degree you may be interested in…
Master of Arts in Teaching
The MAT program is ten months (4 terms), beginning in the Summer term and extending through the following Spring term.
Ready to Learn from the Past and Shape the Future?
Join EOU’s close-knit scholarly family and start building your career in history.
