History

History students at OBU have the unique opportunity to work closely with professors on exciting research projects. This hands-on experience allows you to contribute to cutting-edge historical inquiries and gain valuable insights into the standards and forms of academic inquiry and presentation. Through original student research you can take advantage of numerous archival sources at OBU, including the Gaskin and OBU archives, as well as studies of the pages of Colonial American newspapers and Church of England records housed at Lambeth Palace Library in London. As an OBU history major, you may even have the opportunity to present your research at professional conferences, fostering intellectual growth and networking opportunities.

Enhance your historical expertise by immersing yourself in local historical museums through internships. As an intern, you can delve into museum research, assist with digitizing artifacts, and gain practical experience in various aspects of museum work. OBU has partnerships with prestigious nearby institutions like the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, the Pottawatomie County Historical Society, and the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa. 

History can easily be found and appreciated on and around Bison Hill. OBU is located near several local historical museums, including two museums within 10 minutes of campus. OBU is home to the Gaskin Archive, an important center for research in Baptist history, containing many unique historical materials associated with the development of Baptist life in Oklahoma from the late nineteenth century to the early twenty-first century.

History lives in our program, our students and in organizations at OBU. Immerse yourself in a community of passionate history enthusiasts through Phi Alpha Theta, the national History Honors Society. As a member at OBU, you'll engage in stimulating discussions, attend academic events, and connect with fellow students who share your passion for history. Plus, our History Club provides an informal setting for fostering friendships at OBU, organizing social activities, and exploring history-related topics beyond the classroom.

OBU history graduates have gone on to become historians, museum curators, attorneys, and public servants. Many students have been admitted to top-tier graduate schools, including Yale University, the University of Virginia, and the University of Notre Dame. Recent accomplishments include publishing acclaimed studies on Martin Luther King, Jr., and Frederick Douglass and securing placements in renowned law schools.