PositiveEnjoyment & fit
Read full review“I just enjoy the learning and the reading. There is so much history that I don’t know and I love learning new things.”
Difficulty
Moderately challenging
Average difficultyBased on 7 students across 5 schools.View review makeup
3.0/ 5
Share of students at each rating
Class-year breakdown needs more responses.It appears after at least two class years have 5 difficulty ratings each.
What makes this major demanding?
Worth it?
86% would recommend it
No specific student comments are available yet.
Students’ starting certainty
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PositiveCareers & next steps
Read full review“I think that the career prospects in history are better than many people think, it teaches you a lot.”
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Student paths
How students switch into and out of History
Switched out ofHistory
Went to
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What you will study and do
Curriculum and careers
The History major focuses on the study of past events, societies, and cultures, equipping students with critical thinking, research, and analytical skills. Students learn to interpret historical sources, understand historical contexts, and communicate complex ideas effectively.
Core course themes
World History
This course examines major global events, cultures, and civilizations from ancient times to the present.
Historical Methods
Students learn research techniques, source analysis, and historiography to conduct historical research.
American History
A comprehensive study of the social, political, and economic developments in the United States from the colonial period to modern times.
European History
Explores the history of Europe, focusing on major events like the Renaissance, Reformation, and world wars.
History of Asia
Covers the diverse histories and cultures of Asian countries, including China, Japan, and India.
Public History
Focuses on the application of historical study in public spheres such as museums, archives, and media.
Common roles
- Historian
- Archivist
- Museum Curator
- History Teacher
- Research Analyst
Why salary figures are not shownSalary data appears only when its source, geography, occupation mapping, and date can be verified.
History by school
Scores account for sample sizePreparing school differences…
Brown University2 reviews
- Career outlook
- 2.8
- Enjoyment
- 4.2
- Recommend
- 88%
University of Virginia2 reviews
- Career outlook
- 2.8
- Enjoyment
- 4.3
- Recommend
- 88%
New York University1 review
- Career outlook
- 2.8
- Enjoyment
- 4.3
- Recommend
- 87%
University of California-Los Angeles1 review
- Career outlook
- 2.5
- Enjoyment
- 4.3
- Recommend
- 87%
University of Southern California1 review
- Career outlook
- 2.5
- Enjoyment
- 4.3
- Recommend
- 78%
Community
Big questions in History
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Student reviews
Advice & things to knowMixed
I wish I'd known that I'm supposed to concentrate in a specific area in History. I kind of went in loving all kinds of history, so I took classes in all kinds of subjects and regions, but now I have to commit, and I don't know what to choose. I would recommend History majors to always keep an eye out. Maybe it's one class, or one professor, or one assignment that really sticks out to them –– but you should definitely pursue that further and see if you want to study it in the future!
Also majoring in Economics
- Interested in Law · Business +1
Courses & teachingMixed
A history major is an exceptional opportunity if you are looking to develop analytical and communication skills. The program trains you to become a sophisticated reader and a persuasive writer, which are skills translatable to many fields. That said, if you are not interested in grappling with difficult texts, constructing evidence-based arguments, and refining essays through multiple drafts, consider other majors that might better align with your goals and learning preferences.
Courses & teachingPositive
History professors have been very supportive throughout the course. The subjects continuously connect to modern issues and themes that are very intriguing.
Also majoring in Economics
- Interested in Business · Finance & consulting +1
- Planning a professional degree
Advice & things to knowMixed
I wish I’d known just how much writing it was, but also how useful it can be for understanding and noticing small details
- Still exploring careers
- Unsure about grad school
Careers & next stepsPositive
I think that the career prospects in history are better than many people think, it teaches you a lot.
- Interested in Finance & consulting · Research & academia +2
Enjoyment & fitPositive
Studying history in college is the chance to actually learn something interesting/not entirely career driven before you start working and realize you don’t have good chunk of time to learn something interesting :(
Enjoyment & fitPositive
I just enjoy the learning and the reading. There is so much history that I don’t know and I love learning new things.
- Interested in Business · Law
- Planning a master’s
Drew Anderson · FreshmanHistoryMake the next decision
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