The department offers a wide variety of courses ranging in time, space, and theme. Courses span the full range of American history from the colonial period through the recent past. More specialized courses in local and regional history focus on Montana, the West, and the northern Rockies. Offerings in European and world history emphasize social, cultural, and intellectual history, French and German history, British history, Russian and Soviet history, Latin American history, Islamic civilization, East Asian history, and Central and Southwest Asian history. Topical courses explore issues of democracy, diplomacy, human rights, war and peace, terrorism, race and gender, religion, and environmental history.

History provides not only a basis for future employment but also, more importantly, furnishes knowledge and perspective for intelligent leadership in community affairs. Graduates are employed in federal, state, or local governments, with positions ranging from elected office to research analysts. Many teach history in middle schools and high schools while others pursue advanced degrees at the graduate level. Still others go on to attain professional degrees in law, journalism, and business.