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History

Discover the extraordinary History program at OBU and unlock a world of knowledge, critical thinking, and professional opportunities. As a history major, you will benefit from a dynamic curriculum that allows you to immerse yourself in a deepened, more complete understanding of history. The OBU History program challenges you and empowers you to develop essential skills and a profound understanding of the past.

Brooklyn Pfennig

Class of 2024

“The OBU history program has emphasized the notion that we can relate to others in the present by studying the past. As a student, I've gained insights into understanding and presenting history itself through a Christian worldview. Thanks to the guidance and empowerment provided by my professors, they have enabled me to approach intricate historical subjects with assurance and clarity.”

Benefits of OBU History Program

Our program offers more than just facts and figures; it provides a framework for comprehending the present and anticipating the future. Through engaging coursework at OBU, you will sharpen your critical thinking abilities and cultivate excellent research, writing, and presentation skills that are highly sought after in any career.

Incredible Education, Affordable Cost.

OBU provides a minimum $10,000 per year scholarship to every incoming first-time freshman and $8,000 to every incoming transfer student. And you could qualify for even more financial aid! Many of our students also receive money through federal Pell grants and OBU Bison Grants.

To get an estimate of what your cost to attend OBU might be, please check out our Net Price Calculator. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how affordable an OBU education really is. Especially considering the incredible academic quality, personal mentor relationships with faculty and staff, and strong Christian commitment you will experience at OBU. You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else!

Program Information

Research Opportunities

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.

Internship 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. 

Unique Facilities

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.

Student Organizations

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.

Job Opportunities and Outcomes

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.

Program Options

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

World-Class Faculty

OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.

Dr. Bret Roark

Dr. Bret Roark

Chair, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Ralph and Marie Barby Professor of Psychology
Professor of Psychology

Dr. John Powell

Dr. John Powell

Professor of History

Dr. Sherri Raney

Dr. Sherri Raney

Professor of History and Political Science

Dr. Daniel Spillman

Dr. Daniel Spillman

Professor of History