History Major, Minor, Joint BA-MA
The History program equips students with the skills to collect, analyze, and summarize data and the ability to apply those skills to construct arguments and use evidence to support them. Students of history develop skills in research, analysis, creative problem solving, and written and oral communication. These skills, along with the strong critical thinking skills that students of history hone, prepare students for a range of careers. Many History majors pursue careers in education (at all levels), management, law, administration, business, sales, government, museums, national parks, library sciences, banking, journalism, and politics.
The skills history teaches–critical thinking, data analysis, writing, and argument–prepare
students to adapt and succeed in the rapidly-evolving employment marketplace. To see
more of the potential career paths that History students can pursue, take a look at
W.W. Norton's visual overview of popular careers for history majors.
18%
Work in Education, Training, & Library Sciences
15%
Work in Management
11%
Work in Legal Fields
10%
Work in Administration
10%
Work in Sales
The History program offers two degree pathways: The History major requires a minimum of 33 credit hours and the completion of a second major or minor. The extended History major requires a minimum of 48 credit hours. No second major or minor is required for students completing the extended major.
The program offers seven different concentrations and the option not to pursue a concentration but instead choose electives that align with your interests and career aims.
Concentrations
- Cultural History
- History of Identity
- Peace, Conflict, and Human Rights
- Legal and Constitutional History
- Africana History
- History of Science, Environment, and Medicine
- Public History
The minor in History requires a minimum of 21 credit hours.
History offers a Joint Undergraduate Master's Program (JUMP) which provides academically outstanding students the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree in an accelerated time frame
Contact Dr. Alexander Olson, Director of Graduate Studies, for additional information.
Email: alexander.olson@wku.edu
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My advice for future students is to talk to your professors! I know this idea makes some of us feel anxious, but the history professors are incredibly kind and supportive. Talking through questions with them really improved both my understanding and my coursework. Even better, they helped me discover some great opportunities like a FUSE research grant. So, reach out to your history professors! They want to help you succeed!
-- Alexandria Truesdell, 2024 Graduate in History
I have always had an interest in the past, but my love for history truly blossomed when I had a realization that people in the past were just the same as you and me, that we are all just humans with the same emotions and lives, just separated by time and place.
-- Breanna Greenwood, History & Social Studies Major
That history doesn’t necessarily repeat itself but current events often echo the past. It is important to draw parallels between past and present events to better help us understand current events.
–Bailey Wheeler, History & Social Studies Major