Department
History
Our students develop a well-informed, sophisticated understanding of the world around us and are on the leading edge of undergraduate research at Samford.
Historians pose important questions about our world and search for deep explanations.
History majors learn to think critically, to research well, and to communicate effectively. They tell the story of all of us—who we are and where we’ve been, what we’ve thought and said and done—so we can preserve our past and shape our future.
Every other academic discipline depends on historical explanations for their work. The history major has long been the choice of undergraduates seeking to develop a well-informed, sophisticated understanding of the world around us while developing skills in research, critical thinking, and communication that are valued by employers in many fields.
Award-winning professors, acclaimed scholars and majors on the leading edge of undergraduate research at Samford connect our campus to the community and the wider world and prepare graduates to pursue a broad range of careers and graduate degrees.
"Samford’s approach to teaching History gave me such an advantage in law school. Professors and classmates alike can see and have noticed how it has influenced my approach to the law."—Tristan Mullen, Samford '21, Notre Dame Law '26
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Majors
Global Studies
Samford Global Studies majors explore the relationship between cultural forms, everyday life and structures of power in a global context. They earn a language minor, travel abroad or serve in an internship, and otherwise tailor the interdisciplinary program to their specific calling.
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History
Samford history majors are intellectually curious, and thrive in a hands-on, problem-solving environment where they become detectives in pursuit of sources and answers. By studying the past–using old ways and new–they learn to think with rigor, write with clarity, organize and assess evidence, analyze problems and interpret complex events. They tell the story of all of us–who we are and where we’ve been, what we’ve thought and said and done–so we can preserve our past and help shape our future. They become leaders in professions ranging from education to law, business to public service, historical preservation to diplomacy.
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Law & History
The Law and History major is outstanding preparation for students considering a career in law. We have a long tradition of preparing students for their futures after Samford and have placed graduates in some of the most prestigious law schools in the country. As a nationally known Alabama lawyer once observed, “History is the best preparation for law school.” We agree. Law and History provides first-rate training for a career in law by preparing individuals with the research, communication, and logical skills necessary to serve as advocates in our judicial system.
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Undergraduate Minors
Asian Studies
The Asian Studies minor serves global studies majors who choose to concentrate on Asia, and students in any major who have an interest in Asian history and a desire to develop proficiency in an Asian language.
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Global Studies
The Global Studies minor helps students build in-demand intercultural knowledge and skills on the way to globally-focused careers.Learn More
History
The skills and knowledge of historical inquiry make a history minor an outstanding complement to degrees in political science, international relations, pre-law, journalism, education, ministry, sociology, English, language, geography and many others.
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Latin American Studies Interdisciplinary
The Latin American studies interdisciplinary minor explores the various cultures of Latin America. An emphasis on language and interdisciplinary study make the minor ideal for students majoring in Spanish, political science, sociology, geography, pre-law, religion, education, journalism, or any other that values understanding to Latin American culture.
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History Scholarships
George V. Irons Scholarships
These scholarships are given in honor of the late Distinguished Professor of History, Dr. George V. Irons from a generous bequest of the late Stanley Brooks Russell, Class of 1928, and additional gifts by others. Awarded on the basis of academic qualifications and need, these scholarships provide financial assistance to students who are registered majors in the Department of History.
Nancy C. Lipham Scholarships
These are prestigious scholarships established by alumna, Nancy C. Lipham, Class of 1976. Ms. Lipham is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo in Anniston, Alabama.
David M. and Jean Buchanan Vess Scholarships
These scholarships are given in honor of the late Distinguished Professor of History and chair of the department of history, David M. Vess, Class of 1948, and his wife, former Samford registrar, Jean Buchanan Vess.
*To apply for scholarships, you must have an online Samford account. If you've started your Samford/Common App admission application, you can apply for scholarships using the same login information. If you haven't started an admission application, please log in as a new user.
