Welcome to the Department of History at Purdue University. The Department is dedicated to excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching as well as historical research. The Department’s thirty-six faculty members take pride in fostering close working relationships with students. The academic year began with 80 graduate students, 378 undergraduate majors, and 117 undergraduate minors who help make the Department of History a vibrant intellectual community. The faculty members have national and international reputations for research, and the Department has earned campus-wide recognition for excellent teaching. Departmental faculty consistently win major research awards and grants, hold offices in professional organizations, and serve on editorial boards at home and abroad as well as publish articles in major journals and author critically acclaimed books. 

The Department offers faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students exchange opportunities with Peking University in Beijing, Marc Bloch University in Strasbourg, and Bilkent University in Ankara. The Honors Program provides many opportunities for students to exel in their undergraduate careers. Please see our website for more information about our undergraduate and graduate programs. You will find that departmental events throughout the year include: lectures, colloquia, forums, receptions, and banquets. We are grateful to the alumni and friends of the Department who take part in our functions as guests and as presenters. The public is extended an open invitation to attend our programs. Keep up to date with our functions by viewing the Calendar. Please feel free to contact the Department with any questions at history@purdue.edu. 

We have an exciting year ahead during which time the Department will build on its achievements from previous years as well as plan for the future. Visit our website often!

R. Douglas Hurt
Department Head