About the History Major
Study of the past prepares you for a bright future. It’s a cliché, but true: A history degree opens doors to a wide variety of professional paths. Recent graduates have gone on to pursue careers in business, law, library sciences, business, teaching and even at the National Archives in Washington D.C. Our scaffolded courses train you to consider multiple perspectives, develop evidence-based arguments, and work independently. Small classes challenge you to speak up, ask questions, and defend positions. And according to the AACU’s 2015 study, 91 percent of employers seek applicants who’ve mastered these skills.
Outside the classroom, you’ll find a friendly community of students and faculty that is active both on and off campus. History majors support state-wide and national initiatives (National History Day, for example), conduct individual research, present work at conferences, and network via internships and social events. The 36-credit major is explicitly designed to accommodate double majors and pre-professional students—you can even complete Physical Therapy or med school requirements as a history major! The major also complements both short-term and semester-long study abroad—an experience highly valued by more than three quarters of employers.