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History

History students

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

CourseRequirement
UNIV101First Year Experience
ENGL110Seminar in Composition
HIST101/103*/105Europe and the World to 1648 / World History to 1400 / U.S. History to 1865
HIST102/104*/106Europe 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 exceptionsMathematics requirement, dependent upon placement
105/106/107 levelForeign language requirement, dependent upon placement
University BreadthCreative Arts and Humanities course
University BreadthHistory and Cultural Change course; must be non-HIST
University BreadthSocial and Behavioral Sciences course
University BreadthMathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology course

 

* Satisfies the multicultural requirement.

CourseRequirement
HIST268*History Methods Seminar; prerequisite for HIST400
HIST100/200-level**History elective course
HIST100/200-level**History elective course
107-levelForeign language requirement, if not taken during the first year
CAS BreadthGroup A course
CAS BreadthGroup C course
CAS BreadthGroup 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.

CourseRequirement
HIST300-level*History elective course
HIST300-level*History elective course
CAS BreadthGroup A course
CAS BreadthGroup C course
CAS BreadthGroup 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.

CourseRequirement
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.

Go Global at UD

This major is eligible for the following programs:

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