History & Legal Studies Department

Winona State’s Department of History and Legal Studies is a community of professional historians and legal professionals committed to excellence in teaching and research. 

We believe the disciplines of history and the liberal arts provide students with critical skills employers want including the ability to: 

• Grasp complicated problems or issues 
• Master information retrieval systems (libraries, books, periodicals, internet)
• Plan and execute research
• Organize ideas in the verbal and written forms 
• Develop an open mind to new ideas and approaches, a critical eye and ear, and disciplined work habits

Careers

Graduates from the Department of History and Legal Studies find employment in a diverse range of occupations including: 

• Law
• Education
• Banking and insurance
• Public history
• Non-profit organizations
• Management
• Sales and marketing

Learning Opportunities

As a History or Legal Studies student, you can expand your knowledge and skillset in a variety of ways outside the classroom.

Boost your resumé by completing an internship in your field of interest or a publication-worthy research project.

You can also join WSU’s Mock Trial team and compete in national American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) tournaments. You’ll practice in our very own on-campus courtroom, located in Maxwell Hall.

Real-World Impact 

Legal Studies students can use their expertise to help real-world clients from southeast Minnesota expunge their criminal records—for free—through the on-campus Criminal Expungement Clinic.

For people who wish to seal or destroy their past criminal records, the expungement process can be very expensive.

However, expungement often allows individuals to live a full life in society after serving their sentence.

WSU students improve the world by providing greater access to justice for the local population.

You’ll give many people the opportunity to receive state benefits, rent an apartment, and even get a job.

This clinic is associated with Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) and the non-profit Let’s Erase the Stigma.

News & Announcements

Students Travel for Capstone Research Project

History seniors Maxwell Miller ’23 and Jessica Chacich ’23 won competitive grants to visit archives across the nation. They not only found hidden sources, but also uncovered insights about the past.

Alumni Donates Books to WSU Library

In 2021, Dr. Andrew Steck ’06 donated his collection of books on Medieval History and Late Antiquity to the Krueger Library. During his academic career, Dr. Steck conducted research at the American Academy and the Pontifical Institute for Medieval Studies in Rome. His donation expands the Krueger Library’s collection of books on Medieval History and Late Antiquity.