Historians study the past to understand it on its own terms, to gain insight into how our world has developed, and in order to influence the present. The study of history covers a wide and diverse range of topics, from the history of aboriginal societies, conquistadors, ethnicity, fascism, labour, psychiatry, patterns of settlement and migration, politics, the Renaissance, revolution, to the automobile, slavery, international relations, trade unions, women's studies, and more.

The study of history is at the core of any liberal arts education. In order to make sense of political, social, economic, and cultural development, it is essential to understand historical change and continuities. History is also integral to most area studies (East Asian Studies, Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations, Canadian or American Studies, etc.) and is a crucial part of the study of political science, economics, sociology, international relations, religion, art history, English—nearly every discipline in the humanities and social sciences. History as a discipline partakes of both the humanities and social sciences: it is a social science because it studies societies and the processes of change, but the method and analytical approach are those of the humanities. Close analysis of problems, critical examination of evidence, and persuasive oral and written communication are all hallmarks of historical inquiry.

History graduates will gain both a broad overview of the contours of history and in-depth knowledge of one or more specific regions, time periods, or thematic specializations. They will understand how social processes, political ideologies, economic trends, and environmental changes have intersected with individual and collective human actions to shape historical change and, ultimately, the world we live in today. History graduates will comprehend how history is written, including the skills and methods of historical research, the use and interpretation of textual and other evidence, and the choices involved in various theoretical and analytical frameworks. They will be able to critically read and assimilate large amounts of information, weigh evidence, draw well-informed conclusions, and present cogent, analytical arguments.

The analytical and communication skills one develops by studying history are critical to a great variety of careers. History graduates put their training directly to use in such fields as law, politics, business, government service, museums, libraries and archives, documentary filmmaking, journalism, international relations, urban planning, teaching, and many other areas. With emphasis on how to analyze issues, read critically, do productive research, delineate a case, and present evidence in support of that case, studying history equips one with both the skills and knowledge for an ever-changing workplace and society.