Undergraduate Overview
History in motion
History at the University at Buffalo helps you see the world with new clarity. You will explore the forces that shaped societies, examine how ideas evolved and learn how people made choices that still matter today. Through small classes, active discussion and close mentorship, you will gain skills that prepare you for many paths, from education and law to public service, business and community work.
Studying history here means joining a community that believes curiosity, evidence and open dialogue create powerful learning. You will ask big questions, investigate the past and build tools that help you understand a rapidly changing world.
Students choose history at UB because they find:
- Engaging faculty who are accomplished scholars and award-winning teachers
- Supportive mentorship that helps you define your goals and stay on track
- Flexible and varied courses that span continents, time periods and themes
- Opportunities for deeper study, including independent research and the History Honors Program
- Real-world learning, including internships, study abroad and public history projects
- Recognition and support, including departmental awards, scholarships and Finish in Four resources
At UB you can shape your history experience in a way that matches your interests and goals.
- BA in History: A flexible and wide-ranging major that explores societies, ideas and experiences across time and place.
- BA in History / JD in Law: Build skills in analysis, writing and argumentation for law school and law-related careers
- BA in History / MS in School Librarianship: Add graduate coursework that prepares you for work as a state-certified K-12 teacher-librarian
- BA in History / EdM in Social Studies Adolescence Education: Prepare to teach grades 5 to 12 and work toward New York State teacher
- Minor in History: A strong complement to majors in political science, English, philosophy, anthropology, communication, economics, global affairs and more.
- Middle East Studies Micro-credential: A focused option for students interested in the history, politics and cultures of the Middle East.
History is more than studying the past. It teaches you how to think in ways that matter everywhere.
You will learn to:
- Analyze complex sources
- Weigh evidence and form clear arguments
- Understand issues from many perspectives
- Communicate ideas with confidence
- Connect past events to present-day questions
Courses explore topics such as the histories of science and medicine, Indigenous experiences, drug and alcohol use, political and cultural change in the modern United States and Early Modern Europe, and global histories such as colonial Brazil and ancient China.
History comes alive when you take it into the world. UB students build skills and experiences through:
- Internships at museums, historical sites and cultural organizations including Preservation Buffalo Niagara and Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village
- Study abroad programs that deepen cultural understanding and expand global perspectives
- Student organizations such as the Undergraduate History Association
- Public history projects and collaborations with community partners
These experiences help you build a network, strengthen your resume and discover new interests.
History faculty at UB are active researchers, widely published scholars and dedicated teachers. Many have received national and international recognition for their work and are known for their commitment to mentoring students.
They bring passion for the past into every class and provide guidance as you explore new ideas, sharpen your skills and plan your future.
History is one of the most adaptable majors. It prepares you for careers that require clear thinking, strong communication and the ability to understand complex problems.
UB history graduates work in:
- Law and government
- Education, museums and cultural institutions
- Journalism, publishing and media
- Business, marketing and public relations
- Nonprofit and community organizations
- Social work and public service
- Archives, libraries and information management
You can also prepare to teach grades 5 to 12 through UB Teach, a combined bachelor’s and master’s program that offers a direct path to New York State professional teaching certification.
If you are curious about how people have shaped the world and how the past influences the present, history at UB is a great place to explore your interests and build a strong foundation for the future.
Director of Undergraduate Studies Office Hours:
Professor Cari Casteel
Tuesdays | 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Email the DGS for an appointment.