History
Bachelor of Arts
The past shapes the present
Who we are today is shaped by who we’ve been in the past. When you study history, you gain a deep understanding of the people, places and events that have helped shape the world we know today.
As a history major, you will explore the entire sweep of the human experience — spanning centuries, continents and cultures. You will develop a rich historical perspective and a strong set of skills in research, writing, problem solving and critical thinking. The program equips you for a variety of careers in business, education, law, communications and many other fields.
Highlights of the program include:
- Dynamic courses on everything from Ancient Greece to the 1960s
- Unique capstone course for majors with special topic seminars
- Internship opportunities in historical societies, libraries, public records offices and museums
- First-hand research opportunities and collaborative work with faculty
- Study abroad options
Overview
Related Topics
Examining human history
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Are fascinated by history
- Like museums, travel and learning about other cultures
- Enjoy reading or watching biographies
- Are a strong writer and analytical thinker
- Are interested in national and global events
Degree Prep
Useful preparation for an undergraduate degree in history include high school courses in the social sciences, humanities and languages. Equally significant are having read widely, great curiosity, and interest in stories, cultures and events.
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Are fascinated by history
- Like museums, travel and learning about other cultures
- Enjoy reading or watching biographies
- Are a strong writer and analytical thinker
- Are interested in national and global events
Degree prep
Useful preparation for an undergraduate degree in history includes high school courses in the social sciences, humanities and languages. Equally significant are having read widely, great curiosity, and interest in stories, cultures and events.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,099 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Postsecondary History Teachers
$48,689 - Regulatory Affairs Managers • Compliance Managers
$48,420 - Secondary School Teachers
$51,531 - Lawyers
$62,873 - Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
$16,358
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Scholarships
The College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences provides annual scholarship awards totaling approximately $1,600,000. For information on specific scholarships, please see History Department Scholarships and Awards or email class@uidaho.edu.
You can find general [need- and merit-based scholarships] on the Financial Aid Office's scholarships page.
Financial Aid
To learn more about FAFSA deadlines and processes, available scholarships, and financial aid program types and eligibility requirements, please visit the University of Idaho [Financial Aid Office].
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
Unlock scholarship opportunities at University of Idaho! When you apply to U of I, you're automatically considered for scholarships. We also offer a variety of scholarships based on experience, background and academic programs that student can apply for to help pay for college.
Explore available scholarships on our Scholarships website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-On Learning
- Freshman introductory research course
- Sophomore methods course
- Senior research capstone seminar
- [Independent Study Courses]
- [Study Abroad]
- Internships
- Independent/collaborative research opportunities
- Phi Alpha Theta (History Honor Society)
- Professional travel and presentation at conferences
Internships
History majors have held the following internships:
- US Senator, the Hon. Richard G. Lugar
- US State Department (Southeast Asian division)
- Idaho State Historical Museum
- County/local historical societies
- Ketchum Community Library
- Idaho Black History Museum
Hands-on learning
- Freshman introductory research course
- Sophomore methods course
- Senior research capstone seminar
- Study Abroad
- Independent/collaborative research opportunities
- Phi Alpha Theta (History Honor Society)
- Professional travel and presentation at conferences
Internships
History majors have held the following internships:
- U.S. Senator, the Hon. Richard G. Lugar
- U.S. Department of State (Southeast Asian division)
- Idaho State Historical Museum
- County/local historical societies
- Ketchum Community Library
- Idaho Black History Museum
Application information
Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.
Find Your Advisor: history@uidaho.edu.