BA in History

History is for students who want context, not just headlines. You will learn how to evaluate evidence, spot patterns and explain change over time, then use those skills in almost any career.

A BA in History is a strong fit if you want to:

• Ask better questions about the world around you
• Strengthen your writing and public speaking 
• Build research skills that transfer to many fields
• Pair history with a second major, minor or pre-professional track

You will get both breadth and depth through a mix of lecture courses and small, discussion-based seminars.

Highlights include:

• Faculty who are award-winning scholars and dedicated teachers
• Intro courses that build broad foundations in global, national and regional histories
• Small seminars where you debate ideas, analyze primary sources and build confidence speaking
• Hands-on options such as internships, study abroad and faculty-mentored research

• Learn by discussion and research: Move from foundational courses into advanced seminars where you practice historical research and argumentation 
• Build real research skills: Research seminars and the Honors Seminar support deeper, independent work 
• Flexible path: History pairs well with double majors, minors and professional goals such as law, education and public service 

As a history major, you will examine people, ideas and systems across time and place. You may explore topics such as race and ethnicity in Latin America, science and medicine in the United States, geopolitics of Europe, gender in Africa, international relations in the Atlantic world and food and culture in Asia.

By the time you finish the BA in History, you will be able to: 

• Demonstrate knowledge of historical facts, key events, actors and developments, changes and continuities across time and place and the factors that shape historical narratives 
• Differentiate the past from the present, distinguish and analyze primary sources and secondary literature and use evidence to develop arguments 
• Read and interpret primary sources and secondary literature and analyze scholars’ arguments 
• Write clearly and effectively with strong grammar, organization and argumentation 
• Communicate ideas through class discussions and research presentations 

The BA in History is designed for both breadth and depth. You will take history courses across four broad areas so you can explore multiple regions and time periods while discovering what you want to focus on: 

• Early or early modern history to 1800 
• Asian, African or Latin American history 
• Modern European history since 1800 
• United States history 

Most students begin with 100 and 200 level courses, then move into advanced 300 and 400 level classes, including seminar experiences that emphasize discussion and research. 

A BA in History is one of the most versatile degrees you can earn. You will graduate with skills in critical thinking, research, writing and communication that travel well across industries and reassure families that you are prepared for what comes next.

UB history graduates pursue paths in:

• Law and public policy
• Journalism and media
• Museums, archives and cultural organizations
• Government and public service
• Education
• Business and nonprofits
• Libraries and information work
• Marketing and communications

If you want a major that helps you think clearly, write with purpose and understand how the world became what it is, history is a strong place to start. Explore the catalog, talk with an advisor and take the next step toward UB.