A BA in history exposes you to the breadth of human experience. It's a pursuit of knowledge that combines the thrill of discovery with deep critical thinking, all while emphasizing hands-on experience. We offer opportunities to explore multiple geographical regions and chronological periods, with the ability to focus on those that align with your interests and passions. Our small class sizes encourage lively discussion and enable you to work closely with faculty. With resources at your fingertips, you're empowered to present original research by your senior year.
History majors acquire a wide range of highly relevant skills—such as analytical writing, critical thinking, evidence examination and interpretation—that prepare you for a variety of careers. Many of our history grads hold positions in business, law, museums, education, nonprofit research and as graduate candidates.
What Sets Us Apart
You'll learn directly from professors, who are experts in a range of subject matter.
Small class sizes allow you to participate in the discussion and remain engaged, rather than just listening to lectures.
You'll learn skills applicable for a career in law, business, education, journalism and many other fields.
You can combine a major in history with a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from DU's Morgridge College of Education, all in just five years.
Many of our students go on to top graduate schools in history or fields related to history, such as historical sociology, museum studies or international studies.
Degree Requirements
- To major in History, students will need to complete 44 credits. These include courses in Asian, European, American, Latin American, Middle Eastern and Pre-Modern histories.
- Distinction in the major includes completing an honors thesis and participating in an oral defense exam.
- The secondary major is 44 credit hours.
- The minor is 20 credit hours, eight of which must be upper division courses.
See the DU Undergraduate Bulletin for full course requirements.
Featured Courses
HIST 1240
Comparative History of Medicine
About this Course
This class examines the development of different traditions of medicine, comparing the history of modern scientific medicine with the histories of various forms of what today is called "alternative medicine." It requires no previous background in science, medicine, or history, but is meant to engage students interested in any one of those fields. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.
HIST 2640
Race and Ethnicity in Twentieth Century America
About this Course
This course will examine America through its cultural and racial diversity, comparing and contrasting the historical experiences of African Americans, Latina/os, European Americans, and Asian Americans over the "long" twentieth century. Together we will investigate the ways in which major events and episodes in the century affected a variety of racialized populations, and how these groups responded to their social and political environment. Attention will also be paid to changes in "American" national identity and citizenship over time, helping students think about such questions as: who is an "American"? And how did that definition change over time? How did debates over citizenship reflect Americans' ideas of race, class, ethnicity, and gender? How were racial and ethnic minorities, women, and immigrants defined at various times in opposition to Americanness?
HIST 3372
Nations and Nationalism
About this Course
This seminar will focus on the twin processes of nation- building and nationalism in Europe. We will look at how the idea of an organized nation-state took root and how people came to think of themselves as belonging to a particular nation. We will examine these processes by using different national examples and by taking a variety of approaches--cultural, social, political--to understanding what a nation is.
Equip yourself with knowledge gained from thousands of years of human experience.
See what you'll gain from our focused and relevant coursework in History.
