Our History program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse and complex forces at play in constructing our modern world.  We offer both a B.A. in History and a B.S. in Secondary Education-Social Studies, as well as several minors. Our outstanding faculty is comprised both of committed teachers and nationally-recognized researchers whose broad expertise allows students to gain an understanding of American, European, and non-Western history. Our courses not only give students a comprehension of past events, but also help them to analyze and critique complex and multifaceted evidence, to identify bias in contemporary and historical sources, and to understand the construction of historical narrative itself. Such skills enable our graduates to pursue a variety of careers that require sophisticated research and analytic skills, critical thought, and the ability to present well-written arguments.

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Your Pace History & Political Science

We offer a YourPace History and a Political Science pathway to online degree completion

Program Highlights

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EXPECT generous scholarships

Reacting to the Past

Our program brings history to life in lots of different ways, but one very unique method is to use Reacting to the Past curriculum, which allows students to take on the roles of historical figures and relive major events from the past through a sophisticated debate format. Topics have included politics in ancient Athens to the trial of Galileo to the Industrial Revolution. Not only do students conduct research to prepare for the game, they develop public speaking and strategy skills that prepare them for future careers.

Partnering with the Community

Students in our program get multiple opportunities to connect with and provide service to the region through community-based projects during their time at UMPI. Past activities have included working with middle schoolers on a medieval faire and helping a local author research a book on local history. Currently, students are assisting in work on a comprehensive “History in Stones” project, which aims to capture northern Maine’s history by mapping local cemeteries and developing local history curriculum materials to be used with public school students studying Maine history.

EXPECT an education tailored to your needs

Zombies in the Classroom

Our online history classes explore lots of fascinating topics, for example: Zombies. While that particular class covers the origins and development of zombies in American culture and their historical impact in the United States, you can explore a range of other historical deep dives from films of the Cold War to Acadian and French Canadian Folklore.

(Illustration by Amanda Johnston)

Faculty

Brent Andersen

Adjunct Faculty, Associate Professor
Email
brent.andersen@maine.edu

Daniel Dobbs

Part-Time Faculty: History and Political Science
Email
daniel.dobbs@maine.edu

Christopher Hinson

Assistant Professor of History and Political Science
Email
christopher.hinson@maine.edu

Kimberly Sebold

Professor of History
Location
314 South Hall
Phone
(207) 768-9721
Email
kimberly.sebold@maine.edu

John J Zaborney

Professor of History
Location
215 South Hall
Phone
(207) 768-9409
Email
john.zaborney@maine.edu

EXPECT to Finish in Four

History & Political Science Program Offerings

Our history concentration is offered with both an online and a face-to-face option. Within this concentration, students develop a deep understanding of past events and their relationship to the present and learn to think rigorously, interpret, and communicate.

What can you do with a degree in History& Political Science – History Concentration?


Our political science concentration is offered with both an online and a face-to-face option. Within this concentration, students study government institutions and their public policies as well as the political processes and forces that shape them.

In the Secondary Education, BS with a Social Studies concentration, students will take a variety of history and social science courses that will enable them to teach multiple related subjects at the secondary level.

Our online program is taught by the same professors who teach our live courses. The coursework develops students’ ability to interpret, analyze, and communicate in a wide variety of professional and academic settings, and completing the coursework online allows students to create their own schedule.

In addition to a traditional classroom setting, adult learners seeking a BA in History and Political Science have the option of participating in UMPI’s YourPace program, our online competency based (CBE) degree completion program.

This minor provides students with a comprehensive understanding of historical events, trends, and contexts, enhancing their analytical and research skills. This program is designed to complement a variety of major fields of study, offering courses that cover diverse geographical regions and time periods.

This minor offers students a comprehensive understanding of political systems, theories, and practices. This program is designed to enhance students’ critical thinking and analytical skills by exploring diverse political ideologies, governmental structures, and public policies.

This minor provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the various social sciences, including history, political science, geography, and economics. This minor is designed to complement a range of major fields by equipping students with analytical skills and a deepened awareness of social dynamics and historical contexts.

What can you do with a History Degree?

Next Step: Admissions

We’re so excited that you’re considering the University of Maine at Presque Isle! As a student at UMPI, we want your experience to be anything but ordinary! So what makes UMPI extraordinary? Our Learning Environment, Our Student Engagement and Our Location!

No matter what stage of life you are in, we can help you take the plunge into higher education and put you on YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS!