History, BA
Program Description
Students pursuing the BA in history study the growth and development of human society from political, social, economic and cultural perspectives. Students learn to craft stories from materials other people have left behind --- constitutions, land deeds, diaries, guns and bones. They learn to make decisions about what to investigate, whom to believe, what happened first, and why things fell apart or came together.
History is a discipline that constantly adopts new techniques of analysis and new ways of gathering and presenting information. Students of history learn to use and create digital media, to perform quantitative as well as qualitative analysis, and to present their findings in compelling ways to all kinds of audiences.
In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit the college's website for more information and requirements.
Required Courses (Major Map)
What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus, or online
- Additional Program Fee: Yes
- Second Language Requirement: Yes
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
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Math Intensity:
General
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Career Outlook
History majors are in demand. They know how to find and evaluate evidence, form arguments and present analysis --- skills essential to most careers including law, business, education, medicine and government.
Three out of four employers surveyed by the Association of American Colleges and Universities say they want colleges to place more emphasis on helping students develop five key learning outcomes: critical thinking, complex problem-solving, written communication, oral communication and applied knowledge in real-world settings. These learning outcomes are integral elements of an undergraduate degree in history.
History majors seek jobs in:
- business and industry
- communications
- education
- foreign service
- law enforcement
- museums
- public administration
- social services
History is an excellent foundation for graduate and professional studies in:
- business
- history
- justice studies
- law
- medicine
- public administration
- public history
- theology
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Archivist
- Growth: 7.9%
- Median Salary*: $56,760
Editor
- Growth: -7.3%
- Median Salary*: $63,400
Historian
- Growth: 2.6%
- Median Salary*: $63,100
History Professor
- Growth: 3.6%
- Median Salary*: $76,890
Intelligence Officer
- Growth: 1.1%
- Median Salary*: $86,940
Lawyer
- Growth: 4.0%
- Median Salary*: $126,930
Military Officer
- Growth: %
- Median Salary*:
Museum Curator
- Growth: 12.6%
- Median Salary*: $56,990
News Reporter
- Growth: -11.2%
- Median Salary*: $49,300
Politician
- Growth: 6.2%
- Median Salary*: $33,200
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- 480/965-8364