Undergraduate Studies in History
History through a wider lens
Welcome to History — where today’s world comes into focus through examining the past!
Here, you’ll learn to think like a historian, guided by faculty with expertise in ancient civilizations, the Black Death, witch trials, the Civil War, the World Wars, the American West, environmental movements, and more!
As a historian in the making, you’ll develop the analytical and research skills needed to investigate the past, interpret evidence, and understand how historical events continue to influence humanity today. From there, you’ll be prepared to apply that foundation in public history, preservation, research, education, and beyond.
Bring your passion for history and expand it with a fresh understanding of the political, social, environmental, and cultural forces that shape our world — and discover how understanding what came before helps define what comes next.
B.A. in History
As a history major at CSU, you’ll learn not only to understand the ripples of the past, but also to ask better questions of sources, context, and how groundbreaking shifts in technology and revolution connect to contemporary life. You’ll challenge assumptions, wrestle with competing interpretations, engage in exciting discussions, and build arguments you can stand behind.
Our concentrations allow you to explore a specific area of interest and choose a path that aligns with your career ambitions. Choose from General History, Social Studies Teaching, Language, and Digital & Public History.
Why Study History?
Why does the world look the way it does today? And how do we make sense of it?
The answers begin with history.
Studying history is more than learning about the past. It’s about cultivating the skillset to examine the world through multiple perspectives and understand how people, ideas, and events have transformed it.
Students who join our department arrive curious about the past — consider everything from the fall of the Roman Empire to the history of the National Park Service — and leave with so much more than a collection of memorized facts. With the support of our engaged faculty, they learn how to think deeply about complex issues and use the past to inform real-world, right-now challenges.
From preserving historic sites and working in archives to pursuing original research projects and gaining experience in K–12 classrooms, our majors put their learning into practice through internships and faculty-mentored independent study.
Here, you come as a student and graduate confident in your next chapter as a historian.
Careers
Becoming a historian is all about learning how to uncover evidence, analyze information, and communicate big ideas clearly — essential skills in today’s rapidly changing workforce.
Our alumni use this foundation to build successful careers across more than 20 industries, including education, historic preservation, government, public policy, media, communications, business, and more. Find out how history can open doors to professional networking, publications, and future career opportunities.
Other Opportunities
Advising Information
Are you a current student who would like to learn more about adding or completing a History major?
Schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated Academic Success Coordinators by contacting the College of Liberal Arts Academic Support Center.
Minors
Are you pursuing another major but still interested in history? We offer a minor in General History for non-majors who want to explore specific time periods and regions through themes such as race, gender, the environment, empire, and revolution. We also offer a Religious Studies Interdisciplinary Minor for those interested in examining global religious traditions through historical texts, art, literature, and music.
Accelerated Option
Earn your B.A. in 3 Years
History majors concentrating in General History, Language, or Digital and Public History can graduate in 3 or 3.5 years with careful planning. Accelerated Programs typically include 15-16 credits each fall and spring semester for three years, plus 6-9 credits each summer.
Public and Environmental History Center
Students interested in public history can also collaborate with faculty experts through our Public and Environmental History Center, gaining hands-on experience beyond the classroom.
Ready for Next Steps?
Are you interested in joining our community?