History is the systematic study of the past. The study of history includes training in how to gather information, how to research issues and problems, how to analyze data and construct arguments, and how to communicate ideas in writing. These are essential skills, tools that are prized in the world beyond the university. A major in history is an excellent beginning and solid stepping stone to professional school and the business world. For goals ranging from law to journalism, and from medicine to the MBA, history serves as a versatile undergraduate major. Multinational businesses demand that their executives understand the peoples and cultures around them, and be able to communicate that understanding effectively. If an occupation demands critical thinking and analysis, a background in history is invaluable.

The Bachelor is committed to pursuing excellence in historical and interdisciplinary scholarship, teaching, and service to the profession, the University, and the wider community.

The faculty of some twenty-four professors does research and teaches in many historical areas, often crossing chronological, geographic, and disciplinary boundaries.

These courses combine innovative subjects and methods with more traditional subjects and presentations. In their classes, students have the opportunity to experience the latest and best historical research and writing, to explore special topics in depth, and to receive rigorous training in researching, analyzing, and writing history from nationally and internationally recognized scholars. Moreover, if students do not wish to continue their education beyond the Bachelor of Arts, they find employment with private nonprofit organizations, private individual or small firms, public agencies, and private sector corporations.