BA in History

History majors come from diverse backgrounds and they share a curiosity about the world around them.  Our faculty help them develop their creative thinking and perfect their analytical skills.  History majors are known to be appreciated on the job market, and they go on to all kinds of career paths. Employers value their versatility and ability to connect the dots – whether they have studied the history of the United States or Latin America, European or Asian history, African history or global connections across continents.

The History Major consists of a blend of classroom and hands-on experiences. Students take large lecture courses to help them establish a solid foundation, and then practice what they have learned in small seminars where they build their knowledge through in-depth discussions. Research seminars and the Honors Seminar offer the opportunity for in-depth skills practice as students make their own contributions to the field of history.

We support our students in seeking support for a study abroad, and when they are interested in taking their love of history out into the public sector.  They can gain valuable experience through Public History internships  at local institutions, such as the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, and national ones like the Smithsonian Institution.

Required Courses
Twelve history courses (36 credit hours) distributed in accordance with the level and breadth requirements described below are required. 

As of July 1, 2018, you must take a minimum of eight upper-division courses (300-400 level), including at least two 400-level seminars. If you declared your major before July 1, 2018, you must take a minimum of seven upper-division courses (300-400 level), including a minimum of two 400-level seminars. 

Level and Breadth
To ensure a broad knowledge of history, all history majors must take at least one course, at any level, in each of the following areas:

• Early or early modern history of any civilization to 1800 (PRE)
• Asian, African continent, or Latin American history of any period (AAL)
• Modern European history since 1800 (EUR)
• U.S. history of any period (USH)

A course that seems to fall into two breadth areas may be used to satisfy the requirement of one. (For example, HIS 275 Vietnam and the Vietnam War may be counted as USH or AAL, but not both).

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate credit will not count toward the 36 credit hours required for the major. However, AP credit (with a score of four or better) in U.S. or European history, or I.B. credit (with a score of four or better) in U.S., European, African, or Asian history, can fulfill breadth requirements.

Courses with grades of Satisfactory under the S/U option (elected by the student) or Pass under the P/F option (designated by the instructor) cannot be used toward the fulfillment of course requirements for history majors.

A course used to fulfill a requirement for a double major, joint major, or a minor in another subject may not also fulfill a requirement for the history major.

There are no prerequisites for progression through the history major, but history students are encouraged to take lower-level courses prior to taking upper-level ones. Students are also urged not to take two 400-level seminars in the same semester. Students should consult with the director of undergraduate studies to plan their course of study.

Total required credit hours for the major: 36

Transfer Policy
Transfer students majoring in history may receive credit for up to five history courses (15 credit hours), but must take the two required 400-level seminars at UB. Whenever possible, transfer courses are articulated with existing UB history courses. Acceptance criteria and all other requirements are the same as for regular majors. Students may transfer up to two history courses (6 credit hours) for credit toward the minor. Transfer students should come to the undergraduate studies office for advisement even when placed in the major upon enrollment at UB.