A major in history affords students both a broad education and valuable practical skills. The program in history encourages students to think analytically, read critically, and speak and write with incision. By acquiring familiarity with people in diverse times, places and circumstances, students of history develop a sophisticated human empathy which is the key to good scholarship and good citizenship alike.

Many students rely upon a major in history as preparation for graduate study in law, business, public administration, international relations and theology. A small number pursue graduate degrees in history itself. Other history majors seek postgraduate employment in business management, advertising and public relations, government service, museum and archival work, editorial and publishing work, park interpretation and administration, non-profit organizations, and professions requiring research and bibliographic skills. By including specific education classes in the undergraduate course of study, history majors may qualify for teacher certification.

In fulfilling the requirements for a B.A. degree in History, students must meet the "General Degree Requirements" of the College of Liberal Arts listed previously and the special requirements spelled out below. A 33-hour major, the program in history includes five required courses and allows students to choose the remainder from course offerings in the history of the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. The student should plan a program of study in consultation with one of the department's undergraduate faculty advisors.