History, BA
Understanding the past is key to building the future. Through the study of power, people, ideas and institutions from our past, you learn to analyze the forces that shape society and our lives in today's complex, fast-changing world.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Any math course that meets the MATH designation.
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
History degree description
In the Bachelor of Arts program in history, you explore a broad span of history that covers the ancient world through the modern period and extends from Europe to Latin America and the United States.
In addition to learning about the origins and development of various peoples, ideas and institutions of the past, you engage in the practice of history by learning to conduct research, analyze historical evidence and formulate arguments using historiographical perspectives and methodological approaches.
Why study history at ASU?
In this history program, you're encouraged to harness current technology and connect history with fields like political science, law, economics, philosophy, sociology and public service, expanding how you investigate the past and apply its lessons across disciplines. Technological fluency and interdisciplinary expertise help you understand historical issues from multiple qualitative perspectives and leverage that knowledge to a variety of employment opportunities and contemporary challenges.
As part of the program, you complete a required capstone project that applies your knowledge to a real-world issue or professional challenge.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| HST 495 Methods of Historical Inquiry |
| HST 100 Global History to 1500 |
| HST 302 Studies in History |
| HST 101 Global History Since 1500 |
| HST 324 Food in Latin America |
| HST 360 Crusades and Holy Wars |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Evaluate historical methodologies used to interpret past events, trends, issues, developments, relationships, and/or perspectives.
- Analyze events, issues, developments, relationships and perspectives in world, national and cultural histories using evidence from primary and secondary sources.
- Use digital technologies and Large Language AI models to complete historical research.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Studying abroad enables students in the history program to visit historical sites around the world and see the marks the past has left behind. Students are able to hear firsthand from locals living in different regions and to experience different perspectives.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in a study abroad program provides students with the heightened cultural competency and strengthened leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive job market. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archivist | 3.4% | $64,550 | Learn more |
| Editor | -1.1% | $77,920 | Learn more |
| High School Teacher | -0.2% | $72,040 | Learn more |
| Historian | 3.0% | $76,750 | Learn more |
| History Professor | 0.0% | $83,820 | Learn more |
| Lawyer | 4.7% | $159,670 | Learn more |
| Middle School Teacher | -0.4% | $64,370 | Learn more |
| Museum Curator | 4.9% | $63,420 | Learn more |
| Museum Exhibit Designer | 3.6% | $51,440 | Learn more |
| Political Analyst | -2.0% | $142,080 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this history degree prepares you for
Graduates of this program are prepared for graduate study; for professional degree programs; and for careers in which critical thinking, research and writing skills are highly valued, such as journalism, editing, law and civil service.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies
|
FAB N101
HARCSadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

