Minor in History

Our students become keenly aware of the past in all its complexity and, by extension, the present. They enjoy satisfying careers in businesses, law, philanthropy, government, education, media and communications.

History students inquire about the past. The minor program is meant for students who would like to acquire a basic knowledge of history—in the United States, in Europe and in other areas of the globe—in addition to their major area of study. The minor provides the broad study of world regions along with an opportunity for some specialization.

  • Explore the past, in all of its complexity
  • Understand how the world operates and how to shape the present and the future
  • Complement your undergraduate studies with a minor

In the top 40 history departments in the U.S.

(U.S. News & World Report, 2018)

Learn from award-winning faculty, including Pulitzer Prize winners, National Endowment for the Humanities fellows and Fulbright fellows

Take part in one of our honors seminars, providing students with rigorous, individualized instruction

Be successful.

A minor in history helps prepare students for the workforce. Students develop an appreciation of past human decisions and actions that helps them shape the present and the future.

 

Broaden your employment possibilities with additional knowledge and skills gained from a minor

 

Curator, archivist, K–12 teacher, policy analyst and writer are common opportunities to apply this minor

 

Work for businesses, law practices, philanthropic institutions, government organizations, or in education, media and communications

Academic Plan & Requirements

To earn a minor in history, students must complete a minimum of 21 credit hours in history courses. Students can choose to study an area of interest, whether that be a specific geographic area, historical period or central theme.

Community & Involvement

History majors have many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The Department of Art and Art History has an extensive list of alumni working and performing in a variety of fields across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:

Dan Carlin

('89)
A podcaster, famous for his Hardcore History podcast

Mike Nelson

('91)
A pediatrician practicing in Mexico

Peter Perla

('92)
A partner in the law firm of Holland & Hart

Bertrall Ross

('98)
​Director, Karsh Center for Law and Democracy

Stacey Smith

('98)
Associate professor of history at Oregon State University

Brian Delay

('94)
Associate professor of history at the University of California, Berkeley

Jaime Kreiner

('04)
Associate professor of history at the University of Georgia

Richard Payne

Associate professor of history and Near East languages and civilizations at the University of Chicago

News & Stories

College of Arts & Sciences magazine cover