Bachelor of Arts in History

Studying history contributes to the development of a liberally-educated individual, brings one into intimate communion with the collective memory of the peoples of the world, and allows one to approach and understand current developments from the perspective of experience.

The History major is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the processes of historical research and reconstruction, an appreciation of the discipline of history as a way of thinking and learning, and substantive knowledge in those areas of history in which the student may concentrate, including Law careers.

The undergraduate curriculum is comprehensive in scope. It allows the student to choose from a wide variety of courses in completing the requirements for the History major and the minor in history. In addition to standard courses on various geographical areas and topical subjects, the department offers courses on black history, African Diaspora, public history, and the history of women.

As we are located in Washington DC, where there is a great demand for museum, archives, and heritage professionals, students may receive practical experience as historians by serving as interns in history in the Smithsonian Institution, the National Archives, the National Park Service, the State Department, and other public agencies as well as in private institutions and projects in the Washington area. Such experience may lead eventually to jobs or careers in public history.