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History
EXPLORE THE PAST, SHAPE THE FUTURE
History majors immerse themselves in the study of the past to gain a deeper understanding of the present. By examining the experiences of people who came before us, students develop historical understanding grounded in empathy and engagement.
History students hone essential skills in analytical thinking, critical reading, expository writing and effective communication. These skills prepare them for a wide range of careers where their knowledge, perspective and versatility are assets.
Our majors graduate with an informed perspective on the past and the skills to become engaged citizens who can help shape the future.
Visit the History Hen Hub for academic announcements, internship opportunities, upcoming events and more.
Internships and museum studies
With support from alumni and the college, the department offers funded internships in a range of settings, including museums, parks, historic sites and government agencies, as well as opportunities connected with study abroad.
Many history students add the Museum Studies and Public Engagement minor to their academic program. The minor prepares students for careers managing collections, creating exhibitions, engaging with visitors and working for institutions that apply scholarly expertise for the public’s benefit.
Students gain experience relevant to organizations that care for and interpret art, artifacts and documents, as well as zoos, aquariums, monuments, parks and science centers.
UD offers one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious museum studies programs.
AREAS OF STUDY
- General History
- European History
- American History
- World History
- History Education
- Museum Studies
- History of Science
CAREER OPTIONS
- Teaching
- Museums & Historic Sites
- Law
- Government & Public Policy
- Non-profit Administration
- Journalism & Content Creation
- Business
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
- History (MA and PhD)
- Museum Studies
- Law
- Education
- Public Policy Journalism, Writing
- Business Administration
What’s special about this program?
UD’s history major combines broad exploration with the opportunity to pursue questions that matter to you. In the first year, students build a foundation by studying history across different periods, places and perspectives. In the sophomore and senior seminars, capped at 15 students, they shift from studying history to doing it—developing their own questions, conducting independent research and learning to build and communicate evidence-based arguments.
Along the way, students strengthen skills in reasoning, analysis and communication. The flexibility of the major also makes it possible to add a minor or second major, giving students the freedom to connect history with other interests and create an academic path that supports their goals.
Get Involved
History Club
Phi Alpha Theta Honors Society
UD’s Honors College
Museum Studies minor
Funded Summer Internships
Study Abroad
Undergraduate Research
Alumni Career Events
Sample curriculum
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| UNIV101 | First Year Experience |
| ENGL110 | Seminar in Composition |
| HIST101/103*/105 | Europe and the World to 1648 / World History to 1400 / U.S. History to 1865 |
| HIST102/104*/106 | Europe and the World Since 1648 / World History Since 1400 / U.S. History Since 1865 |
| MATH113 or 114/115/117 or 200-level or higher, with exceptions | Mathematics requirement, dependent upon placement |
| 105/106/107 level | Foreign language requirement, dependent upon placement |
| University Breadth | Creative Arts and Humanities course |
| University Breadth | History and Cultural Change course; must be non-HIST |
| University Breadth | Social and Behavioral Sciences course |
| University Breadth | Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology course |
* Satisfies the multicultural requirement.
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| HIST268* | History Methods Seminar; prerequisite for HIST400 |
| HIST100/200-level** | History elective course |
| HIST100/200-level** | History elective course |
| 107-level | Foreign language requirement, if not taken during the first year |
| CAS Breadth | Group A course |
| CAS Breadth | Group C course |
| CAS Breadth | Group D course |
| Free electives | — |
* Satisfies the DLE requirement.
** Can satisfy the history department’s pre-1700 or Asian, African, Latin American or Middle Eastern requirement.
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| HIST300-level* | History elective course |
| HIST300-level* | History elective course |
| CAS Breadth | Group A course |
| CAS Breadth | Group C course |
| CAS Breadth | Group D with lab course |
| Free electives | — |
* Can satisfy the Second Writing Requirement when offered, the history department’s pre-1700 requirement or the Asian, African, Latin American or Middle Eastern requirement.
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| HIST300-level* | History elective course |
| HIST300-level* | History elective course |
| HIST400** | History Capstone Seminar |
| Free electives | — |
* Can satisfy the history department’s pre-1700 requirement or the Asian, African, Latin American or Middle Eastern requirement.
** Satisfies the University Capstone requirement.