History
Understanding the past through evidence and argument.
History studies how societies and events developed over time, using primary sources (letters, records, artifacts) and secondary scholarship to construct and argue interpretations of the past. It's as much about evidence and argument as it is about facts and dates.
Coursework typically moves from broad surveys into specialized seminars (a region, era, or theme), culminating in a research project built on primary source analysis, historians' core method for producing original work.
Typical courses you might take
- ✓World History Survey
- ✓U.S. History Survey (or regional equivalent)
- ✓Historiography & Historical Methods
- ✓Primary Source Research Seminar
- ✓Regional or Period Specialization
- ✓Comparative History Elective
- ✓Historical Writing
- ✓Senior Thesis
Sample four-year plan
Illustrative, not a registration planOne possible way these courses could be sequenced alongside general education and elective credit. Real programs vary in order, pacing, and prerequisites by school, use this to get a rough sense of the arc, not to plan actual registration.
- ✓World History Survey
- +General education requirement
- ✓U.S. History Survey (or regional equivalent)
- +General education requirement
- ✓Historiography & Historical Methods
- +General education requirement
- ✓Primary Source Research Seminar
- +Free elective
- ✓Regional or Period Specialization
- +Free elective
- ✓Comparative History Elective
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Historical Writing
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Senior Thesis
- +Capstone, thesis, or culminating project (common in many programs)
Skills you'll build
This major might be a good fit if you...
- ★Curious about how the past shaped the present
- ★Enjoys research and building evidence-based arguments
- ★Comfortable with extensive reading and writing
- ★Interested in law, policy, education, or further academic study
Common minors & double-major pairings
Political Science · Foreign Language · Philosophy
Roles this major could lead to
Factual, day-to-day descriptions from our Career Role Encyclopedia, not a guarantee this major leads to any specific job.
Frequently asked questions
What is a History major?
Understanding the past through evidence and argument.
What courses do History majors take?
Typical coursework includes classes like World History Survey, U.S. History Survey (or regional equivalent), Historiography & Historical Methods, among others, see the full course list above for this major's typical lineup.
What skills do you build in a History program?
History coursework typically builds skills like Primary source analysis and interpretation, Constructing and defending historical arguments, Research and synthesis of complex evidence, Clear, structured writing.
Is History a good major for me?
It tends to be a good fit if signals like "Curious about how the past shaped the present" or "Enjoys research and building evidence-based arguments" describe you. See the full "good fit if you..." list above for more.
What can you do with a History degree?
Majors in this field often go on to roles like Secondary School Teacher. See our Career Role Encyclopedia for more, a major shapes what you study, not a guarantee of any specific job.
What other majors pair well with History?
Common minor or double-major pairings include Political Science, Foreign Language, Philosophy.
How is History different from Political Science?
They're related but distinct. History: Understanding the past through evidence and argument. Political Science: How power, government, and political systems work. Use the compare tool to see courses and skills side by side.
How long does it take to earn a History degree?
Most bachelor's degrees, including this one, are designed to be completed in about four years of full-time study. Exact timing depends on your school, course load, transfer credit, and any changes of major along the way.
From our guides
Printed from majoratlas.com/majors/history