History Major
History is the study of past events, societies, and how they shape the present. It is a major within Arts & Humanities.
History is the study of past events, societies, and cultures, and how they have shaped the world we live in today. Rather than simply memorizing dates and names, historians ask questions about why things happened, how people lived, what their beliefs and values were, and how change occurs over time. The major develops skills in reading and interpreting primary sources—original documents, letters, photographs, and artifacts—as well as secondary sources written by other historians. Students learn to construct arguments based on evidence, consider multiple perspectives, and communicate complex ideas clearly in writing and discussion.
Students drawn to the history major typically enjoy detective work and storytelling, curiosity about how societies function, and interest in understanding current events through their historical context. History programs generally begin with broad survey courses that cover large time periods or major themes, giving students foundational knowledge across different regions and eras. As students progress, they typically narrow their focus to specific time periods, regions, or themes, taking seminars and electives that allow for deeper investigation. This structure helps students build a comprehensive understanding of historical patterns before developing specialized knowledge in areas that interest them most.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a History program commonly includes topics such as:
- World history
- U.S. history
- Historiography
- Research methods
- Regional history
- Primary source analysis
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
History is commonly offered at these levels:
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a History background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Historian
- Archivist
- Museum educator
- Researcher
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a History major?
History is the study of past events, societies, and how they shape the present. It is part of arts & humanities, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do History majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as world history, u.s. history, historiography, research methods, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a History major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as historian, archivist, museum educator. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is History offered at?
It is commonly offered at the bachelor's, master's, doctoral level, though availability varies by institution.