Undergraduate Overview

student discussion.

The UB History Department offers students rich opportunities to pursue their intellectual passions through diverse course offerings and in an inclusive social environment.  We help students explore the past while gaining skills that they can use for their future.  History students learn how to analyze complex issues, think critically, and communicate with others – all necessities for careers in today’s world.

Historians ask “what” happened and “why” to explain how the many contexts we live in today have taken shape over time ‒ from our local environment and nations to global connections.  Students in the History Department learn to interpret relevant issues by applying different methodologies and exploring multiple perspectives.  They closely analyze texts and maps, study autobiographical documents and oral histories, and interpret films and political posters.  In this process, they gain competences that they may use well into their careers after college.

If you are curious about what our majors go on to do after graduation, check out these testimonials from some of our current students and recent alumni.

Office Hours for the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Andreas Daum:

By appointment

Department of History

Department Hours:  8:00am-4:30pm

Email: UGHIS@buffalo.edu

Phone Number: (716) 645-3433

Why choose History at UB?

  • Accomplished scholars as primary instructors
  • Individual mentorship from faculty
  • Balance between large and small class environment
  • A departmental Honors Program (different from UB Honors College)
  • Opportunities to pursue individual research projects
  • Prizes and scholarships for undergraduates
  • Vast resources at a high-profile research university 
  • Support for study abroad programs
  • Possibility of Public History Internships
  • Perfect fit with Finish in Four
  • Support for continued study in our MA/PhD programs 

What will you do with your History major?

Studying history develops habits of mind, values of citizenship, and practical skills that have served our students well in their later endeavors. Our graduates work in so many fields: journalism, law, education, government service and the military, business, politics, curatorial and management roles in museums, cultural organizations and non-profits, communications and public relations. According to data from the American Historical Association, our students' diverse career paths match up with national trends for history majors. To these careers, our students bring the critical thinking skills necessary to respond to complicated problems with  creative solutions, their written and oral communication expertise and research abilities, as well as their passion for serving the community. 

Want to explore even more options? The American Historical Association maintains this guide to careers for history majors.

Contact Us

Current Student and Recent Alumni Testimonials

  • Mariah Agbonkpolo, BA Class of 2021
    12/8/21
    "I wanted to become a History major because we need to understand the past if we want to create lasting social change. Since I wanted to pursue a degree in law, I felt it was necessary to understand how historical processes create institutional barriers that perpetuate social inequalities. Being a history major provided me with the space to study the impact of social identities such as race and gender on the past and present. "
  • Mohamad Naji, BA Class of 2021
    12/8/21
    “One thing I loved during my time in the history department, is the amazing professors I had. There is a wide range of topics that students can learn about and all the professors made the classes fantastic. I only ever had fantastic professors and they really made my experience only more enjoyable. You really cannot go wrong with any of the professors and I look at a lot of them as role models for me beyond my time at UB.” 
  • Steve Joyce, BA Class of 2014
    12/8/21
    My history degree has helped me immensely in my pursuit of a law degree. I learned early on to not only spot issues, but to determine the why and how these issues came to be.
  • Jenna Marcus, BA Class of 2021
    12/8/21
    “The history classes I’ve taken at UB have stayed with me long after finishing them. Among other things, they opened my eyes to a world of diverse histories and human experiences, and helped me to understand the events that have shaped our current world. The knowledge gained and the stories learned have awarded me valuable and clear-eyed insight into the present — something all too important in a world where peoples, systems and events are so often deeply misunderstood.” 
  • Vicky Jocelin, BA Class of 2009
    12/8/21
    I graduated from the University at Buffalo in May of 2009 with a BA in History and Teacher Education Minor. My degree created an opening at a non-profit agency where I assisted over-aged and under credited at-risk students earn their high school diploma.
  • Katherine Bonk, BA Class of 2018
    12/8/21
    I wanted to go to college to be a teacher, but UB did not have that as an option for undergrads, and because I knew I wanted to teach history, I became a history major.
  • Alec Herbert, History Minor Class of 2021
    12/8/21
    “My minor in history at UB helped me develop my reading and writing skills but more importantly showed me the importance of history as a discipline. No matter what your area of study, I think getting involved with the History Department can help you be more understanding and compassionate about the situations and problems we face today.” 
  • Sam Trzaska, BA Class of 2018
    12/8/21
    To be honest, every single class and experience during my time as a history major has been excellent. From the office staff to the faculty, everyone in the department is there to help you achieve your academic and career goals. I have taken courses on everything from the history of WWII to the cultural history of the Huron-Wendat Nation and the evolution of my favorite sport, soccer. However, my experience with the History Honors Program stood out as the most memorable and rewarding.
  • Caitlin Blue, BA Class of 2018
    12/8/21
    Prior to coming to UB as a transfer student in 2015, I attended St. Bonaventure University where I was an International Studies major. I had always had an affinity with anything related to history but I wasn’t so sure about majoring in it.
  • Jessica Petteys, History / Law Combined BA Student , Class of 2022
    7/21/22
    “My favorite part about being a History major at UB was how interesting and diverse the classes are. They have an amazing selection of subjects. As a History major at UB, you’ll find yourself taking everything from the History of Brazil to the History of Korea (sometimes in the same semester)! The professors are extraordinarily and always there to help!” 
  • Danielle Redfield, BA Class of 2022
    7/20/22
    “I was drawn to UB's History department because of the diversity in both the professors and the courses offered. This was extremely important to me in planning my education because I wanted to be taught by scholars who each brought their own varied perspectives into their field of study. Being a History major at UB has given me some of my best memories. The department is filled with some of the smartest people I think I'll ever meet who truly have a passion for the field they're in but more importantly the students they teach. The people in the program constantly push each other to widen perspectives and challenge how we understand history. UB History has shaped how I look at history and how I look at what is happening around me in the world today.” 
  • Victoria Iachetta, BA Class of 2014
    12/8/21
    Choosing to become a history major was never something I thought twice about. After my first semester of college, I knew that I wouldn’t enjoy my time at UB if I wasn’t reading, writing, and learning about the things I’m passionate about.
  • Milenie Mani, Current History BA Student
    12/8/21
    “I found history to be interesting because of how broad but yet specific the world of history can be. As a history major, I can study the past and present societies as well as people's behaviors. My academic study in history has allowed me to understand how the past historical events and societies can be connected to modern day episodes. Within my four years in the history department, I feel as though my focus on historical issues has allowed me to develop the abilities to think critically and analyze historical trends. I have strengthened my writing skills and am able to write in depth on complex issues. I chose to major in history because it offers the most versatility in terms of learning about science, art, religion, politics, and culture. I recommend majoring in history to anyone who displays a wide range of interests and is seeking to enhance your writing and research skills.” 
  • Mia Hanson, BA Class of 2021
    12/8/21
    "I really enjoyed my four years of studying history at UB. I loved that classes were unique and interesting: I was able to study subjects like Stalinism, LGBTQ history, and the history of fashion. I strengthened my skills in analysis and writing with the support of many of my professors. I also got to apply my knowledge in creative ways, not just writing research papers, but also creating podcasts and presentations. Studying at UB has helped me feel prepared for graduate school, where I am currently studying Russian culture and history. Take a chance on a history class at UB, I guarantee you will enjoy it." 
  • Logan Woodward, BA Class of 2017
    12/8/21
    After graduating I continued my work as the Coordinator of Jewish Student Life for Hillel of Buffalo in a full time role. Through Hillel International, I was accepted to the Ezra Fellowship.
  • Richard Fries, BA Class of 2021
    12/8/21
    My favorite class within the history major so far would have to be His 391,China and the World, taught by Dr. Stapleton. As someone who went into the course with very little knowledge about Chinese history, this class provided all of the necessary background information that you would need in order to get really in depth on a lot of interesting topics I never covered in high school.
  • Eric Stroiber, BA Class of 2009
    12/8/21
    Majoring in history does not limit one to becoming a history teacher. Many industries, including banking, are recruiting liberal arts majors because of their ability to think critically, understand and manage complex social and political relationships, and develop new ideas on how companies should navigate current and future business environments.
  • Crystal L. Couch, BA Class of 2021
    12/8/21
    “I can say, with confidence, that my time at UB in the undergraduate history program was exciting, engaging, welcoming, and unique. I had the opportunity to learn and interact with some of the most knowledgeable and engaging professors, who strived to make each class exciting. I learned skills and knowledge that were versatile and adaptable to my current life as a graduate education student. I am grateful for my decision to pursue my B. A in history and am thankful for the experiences I gained during my time in the program.” 
  • Lauren Kacherski, BA Class of 2018
    12/8/21
    As a freshman, I originally applied to UB as a business major. During the summer after high school graduation, I began to have doubts regarding this choice and contacted an advisor to discuss my decision. I spoke with Janeen Wilder and she was immensely helpful.
  • Corrine Cardinale, BA Class of 2018
    12/8/21
    I’ve always loved reading, writing, and telling stories. When I was in high school, I realized that there were some stories that carried more significance than others to me, and those were historical stories. I remember hearing the quote, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
  • Angelo Lomeo, BA Class of 2011, MA Class of 2013
    12/8/21
    "I am a 10th grade World History and AP World History teacher at a high school in the local Buffalo area. I do not know what my current life would look like without the University at Buffalo's History Undergraduate program. The program and its professors, especially Dr. Andreas Daum, are welcoming, enthusiastic, supportive, rigorous, and inspiring. At the end of the program, I not only felt well-prepared for my career, but I felt the life lessons learned and relationships formed along the way indicated to me that taking the program was one of the best decisions I have ever made."