Undergraduate Programs in History
Explore our shared and diverse past, providing an essential context and perspective on the contemporary world.
Earn an Undergraduate Degree in History
As Oxford’s most famous resident, William Faulkner, once wrote, “the past is never dead. It’s not even past.” The undergraduate program in history teaches students to analyze the past in order to understand how the world they live in came to be. Knowing the “back story” of social, political, and economic trends is a valuable asset for any profession. Historical inquiry also strengthens critical thinking, reading, writing, and public speaking skills. In particular, interpreting historical sources develops in-demand expertise in media literacy and written communication that serves the student in the classroom and beyond.
A degree in history is a versatile tool. History majors go on to work in museums, historical preservation endeavors, archives, governmental organizations, and a range of private enterprises. A history degree is among the best preparations for law school, public policy school, business school, or graduate studies in the humanities. Majoring or minoring in history also offers collaborative opportunities with other disciplines at the university and on the job market. With course offerings and research opportunities spanning human history around the globe, the possibilities for study and career preparation are endless.
The Department of History organizes the Porter L. Fortune History Symposium, which brings together prominent historians from across America and beyond to discuss a different theme every year, from the American Civil War to women and religion in world history. The Department also hosts numerous workshops to help History Majors in their undergraduate studies as well as planning for the future.
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Spring 2025 Courses
The department offers undergraduate courses in the subfields of American and European history, as well as much of the histories of Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
View all History courses Read a more in-depth description of the courses -
Academic Advising
Freshmen history majors, like most freshmen on campus, are advised through the Center for Student Success and First Year Experience (CSSFYE). The Center for Student Success and First Year Experience is an excellent resource for all first-year students as their commitment is to helping students successfully transition to college. Sophomores through seniors are advised in the Department of History.
Visit the CLA Academic Advising Page -
Accelerated Master's (4+1)
The Department of History offers students with excellent academic records the opportunity to apply for admission to an accelerated five-year B.A./M.A. degree program combinations (4+1). Admitted students complete graduate-level HST courses in their senior year, which count towards both undergraduate and graduate degrees in an accelerated master's program.
Visit Accelerated Master's Program -
Accelerated Law Program (3+3)
In a partnership with the UM School of Law, students admitted to the Accelerated Law Program may earn baccalaureate and law degrees in 6 years instead of 7 by using first year law school courses to complete their undergraduate degree. They start law school during their senior year.
Accelerated Law (3+3) -
Student Success Resources and Scholarships
History alumni and friends have given funding to support scholarships dedicated to students in the Department of History. Visit our website to see these and other scholarship opportunities, including those to support internships and travel courses.
Visit History Resources and Scholarships -
Careers and Alumni
See the top history sectors for the employers of our political science undergraduate alumni. Meet a few alumni and how they view the value of their major in today's world.
History Careers and Alumni
Message from the Undergraduate Program Coordinator
“I want our students, majors, and minors to experience a welcoming, intellectually curious, and formative department. Historical inquiry is valuable, enlightening, relevant, and fun. We put the human in humanities. I invite anyone interested in our program to reach out to me.”
Jesse Levis Cromwell
Associate Professor of Colonial Latin American History and Undergraduate Program Coordinator
Beyond the Classroom
Research
History majors complete their degree with a capstone research project using primary sources under the guidance of a faculty member. Students can share their research with a broader audience, including conferences and journals, which help hone writing and presentation skills and build the resume. The History Undergraduate Committee stands ready to offer advice and feedback on conference and journal submissions.
Internships
According to surveys of employers, internships are the #1 desired experience on college resumes. Employers want to know that you have experienced the professional world and have solidified your career goals through interactions in a related work place.
Internships overseen by the Department of History allow you to gain valuable hands-on experience while earning academic credit.
Travel Courses
Have an immersive learning experience and earn credit for general education, major, or minor requirements by enrolling in a Study USA or Study Abroad program. Travel with a professor with our programs that are supported by scholarships from the College of Liberal Arts. These courses offer an immersive learning experience, allowing you to visit the historical places while learning about their past.
Phi Alpha Theta
Phi Alpha Theta is an academic honor society whose purpose is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of good teaching, research, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. It seeks to bring students, teachers, and writers of history together both intellectually and socially as well as encouraging and assisting historical research and publication by its members.