Program Overview
A history major at the University of Kansas provides students with a deep understanding of the past and its influence on the present and future. Through a comprehensive curriculum grounded in historical inquiry, students explore global civilizations, political movements, social transformations, economic systems, and cultural developments across time and place. Whether you’re interested in ancient societies, the early modern world, modern conflicts, or historical research methodologies, our history program offers the tools and knowledge to critically analyze historical narratives and their broader significance.
KU’s bachelor’s degree in history is designed to develop advanced critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and persuasive communication skills that are highly valued across numerous professional fields. As a major in history, students learn to ask meaningful questions about the past, evaluate primary and secondary sources, and construct well-supported interpretations. With the flexibility to choose from a wide variety of geographic regions, thematic concentrations, and chronological periods, students can tailor their academic path to align with their intellectual interests and long-term goals.
Students in the history major complete coursework that emphasizes research design, historiography, and analytical writing. The curriculum culminates in advanced seminars that require independent research and sustained argumentation. This structure ensures graduates leave KU prepared not only for employment, but also for graduate and professional study.
Why Choose KU’s History Major?
- Access to expert faculty specializing in United States, European, African, Asian, Latin American, and global history.
- Research opportunities, including hands-on archival work, digital history projects, and faculty-mentored independent study.
- Strong preparation for graduate school and competitive history major careers in education, law, public service, nonprofit leadership, and business.
- Study abroad programs that allow students to explore history in real-world settings while earning credit toward the bachelor’s degree in history.
- A flexible curriculum that distinguishes KU among leading history major colleges in the Midwest.
Learn more about KU
Undergraduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
History, BA/BGSKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Bachelor’s in History is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Bachelor’s in History Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the history major at KU will:
- Demonstrate strong analytical and research skills grounded in historical methodology.
- Interpret and evaluate primary and secondary sources using disciplinary standards.
- Construct persuasive, evidence-based arguments in written and oral formats.
- Develop a broad understanding of global, comparative, and regional histories across multiple time periods.
- Apply historical knowledge to contemporary social, political, economic, and cultural issues.
These outcomes reflect the department’s emphasis on critical inquiry, ethical scholarship, and intellectual rigor within the major in history.
What Careers Are Possible with a Bachelor’s in History?
A history major opens the door to a wide range of professional opportunities across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. According to Lightcast, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in history pursue diverse roles that emphasize research, analysis, writing, and strategic thinking. Common fields include:
- Education: Teaching at the secondary or post-secondary level.
- Law: Many history majors go on to law school and legal careers.
- Public History: Museum curation, archival research, and historical preservation.
- Government & Public Policy: Roles in diplomacy, intelligence analysis, and civic engagement.
- Journalism & Media: Research and writing for publications and broadcast media.
Data on history major jobs, jobs for a history major, and projected history major salary outcomes show strong alignment with fields that value research-driven decision-making and communication expertise.
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU offers competitive tuition rates and financial aid opportunities, including scholarships specifically for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in history. Visit KU Financial Aid for more details on tuition, grants, and scholarships.Admission Requirements
All students interested in the history major must meet the standard University of Kansas admission requirements for incoming freshman and transfer students. This includes:
Freshman
- 3.25 high school GPA OR
- An official ACT score of at least 21 or an official SAT score of at least 1060 with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
Transfer
- Assured admission with 24+ transferable credit hours with a 2.5+ GPA from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
For detailed admission requirements, visit KU Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
KU’s history program emphasizes experiential learning and intellectual engagement beyond the classroom. Opportunities available to students in the history major include:
- Undergraduate research projects with faculty mentorship.
- Internships with historical societies, museums, archives, and nonprofit organizations.
- Study abroad programs in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and other global regions.
- Digital history initiatives that integrate technology, data analysis, and public scholarship.
- Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society with an active KU chapter.
- Undergraduate research symposia showcasing original scholarship.
- Collaborations with the Hall Center for the Humanities, which connects students with interdisciplinary research and public programming.
Bachelor’s in History Sample Courses
As a history major, students complete foundational and advanced coursework designed to strengthen analytical and interpretive skills. Sample courses include:
- The Historian’s Craft
- Introduction to Western History
- History, Ethics, Modernity
- History Capstone Seminar
Additional offerings span diverse geographic regions and historical eras. For a complete and current list of courses within the history program, visit the KU Catalog.
Bachelor’s in History Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in four years.