History, BA

At a Glance: program details

Location:
Tempe campus,
or
online
Additional Program Fee: Yes
Second Language Requirement: Yes
Math Intensity: General
Initial Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics

Required Courses (Major Map)

Learn about the past while preparing for your future. In one of the largest undergraduate history programs in the country, you can explore a variety of time periods and regions, such as ancient Greece and modern Mexico, and topics that include sports, engineering, health, genocide, witchcraft and many more.

Only the stand-alone BA or the accelerated History BA/MA combination are available to ASU Online students at this time.

Program Description

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in history study the growth and development of human society from political, social, economic and cultural perspectives. Students learn to craft stories from materials that 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, work on public history projects, conduct oral history interviews, perform qualitative analysis and present their findings in compelling ways to all kinds of audiences.

In addition to reviewing 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.

Learning Outcomes

Analyze continuity and change in global contexts, and understand the reasons for and consequences of dividing history into eras.
Discern and articulate matters of historical cause and effect and construct a well-reasoned argument accounting for the necessary and sufficient causes of historical events.
Analyze and discuss historical change and continuity in American institutions and cultures.
Acquire information about one or more societies outside of the United States and be able to analyze the culture and institutions of that society.
Explore historical evidence in order to understand and compare competing perspectives on events.

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:

Global Management (Global Development and Innovation)

Gain the ability to integrate economic, cultural and political variables in working to solve critical societal development issues, such as raising standards of living. You'll have opportunities around the world to tackle some of humanity's most difficult and urgent challenges.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking)

Are you seeking a leadership role in a global organization? This concentration offers applied learning opportunities and internships in settings around the world. You'll gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy)

A new class of hybrid careers has recently emerged that combines digital media skills with marketing and design expertise. Become a global leader with both management and multimedia skill sets.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Sustainable Tourism)

Prepare for leadership roles in the global tourism arena. You'll be equipped with the skills needed to transform global enterprises --- skills that are increasingly important as ecotourism grows and the tourism industry adopts sustainability practices.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Sustainability Solutions)

Learn powerful new strategies and tactics to make sustainability a driver of organizational engagement, cost savings and innovation. You'll become an expert leader who can transform sustainability practices in your chosen field.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management

Gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates. This program offers applied learning opportunities, 16 concentration options and practical internships in global settings.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Public Administration)

There is a cross-sectoral need for professionals who have both public administration mastery and next-generation global management skills and experience. As a future executive or manager, you'll be equipped with these sought-after skill sets.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship)

Acquire the expertise needed to conceive and execute innovative global ventures. Through rigorous coursework and in-depth exposure to current multicultural business practices, you'll master the principles of management for global entrepreneurial enterprises.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery)

Are you seeking a leadership role in the rapidly growing health care industry? Through this concentration, you'll gain a repertoire of global management skills and experience tailored specifically to health care.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Affairs)

Are you looking to become a leader in a nonprofit, governmental or international business role? With specialized cross-training in international affairs and the fundamentals of global management, you'll be ready to make a great impact on a worldwide scale.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Business)

Become a leader through mastery of global business management principles and practices. You'll gain an understanding of the economic, political and social factors driving change and how decisions affect global markets. Attain the perfect balance of practical and people skills to inspire, influence and drive global success.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Digital Transformation)

Thrive in global markets and respond to the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Customize your degree and acquire digital skills in marketing, design, product development, automation and data analytics.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Nonprofit Leadership and Management )

Are you a globally minded person who demands a purpose-driven career? Prepare for impactful roles in nonprofit organizations around the world as you gain the knowledge necessary to produce meaningful, rewarding work that enhances communities.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Public Policy)

Are you seeking a career as a policy analyst or leader in public service? Join graduates around the world who are involved in the formulation, approval, implementation and evaluation of public policy.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Legal Studies)

Engage in experiential learning and build your skills in global management and legal analysis --- all in demand among multinational corporations, international nonprofit organizations, governments and nongovernmental organizations around the world.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

History

Pursue topics that spark your passion, and study the geographic locations and time periods that interest you. The intensive coursework enables you to acquire skills for whatever career you decide to seek out.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

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:

Archivists

Growth: 8.2%
Median Salary*: $58,640.00

Editors

Growth: -4%
Median Salary*: $73,080.00

Historians

Growth: 3.1%
Median Salary*: $64,540.00

History Teachers, Postsecondary

Growth: 1.3%
Median Salary*: $79,400.00

Intelligence Analysts

Growth: 1.5%
Median Salary*: $86,280.00

Lawyers

Growth: 7.5%
Median Salary*: $135,740.00

Military Officer Special and Tactical Operations Leaders, All Other

Growth: %
Median Salary*: $0.00

Curators

Growth: 11.1%
Median Salary*: $60,380.00

News Analysts, Reporters and Journalists

Growth: -3.3%
Median Salary*: $55,960.00

Legislators

Growth: 3.4%
Median Salary*: $48,090.00

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright Outlook |

Green Occupation

Global Experience

Understanding the events that have led humanity to this point is a large aspect of being a history major. There is no better way to understand historical events than through study abroad, living in the nations where the events happened, among the people and surrounded by the language and culture. Students gain not only memories that last a lifetime, but also skills that can help them succeed in every aspect of their professional and personal lives.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends the following study abroad programs for students majoring in history.

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.

Learn about online options

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.

[email protected]
480/965-8364