History, BA
History helps us discover new meaning in the past, present and future. Our students learn the best practices of historical research while developing the skills for a successful career: thinking critically, communicating effectively, and tackling complex problems.
Graduates excel in careers in politics, the legal profession, business and marketing, human resources, information and library sciences, law enforcement, journalism, public relations, intelligence or security analysis, sales and recruitment, education, and more.
Your Degree Plan
Modern Military History
HIST 210
Military history from the American Revolution to the present, stressing the evolution of warfare with particular attention to strategy, tactics, weaponry and the consequences of war.
West Virginia
HIST 250
Historical foundations and development of West Virginia, with particular emphasis upon the growth of the government, the economy, and the traditions of the state.
Pre-Colonial Africa
HIST 320
History of Africa, earliest times to mid-nineteenth century. Focus on population and interaction, state formation, trade in sub-Saharan Africa, and on impact of external influences such as Christianity and Islam.
The Vietnam War
HIST 365
United States participation in the 1946-1975 fighting in Indochina. United States involvement in the political and military conflict, and the impact of the war on the United States.
History of American Women
HIST 445
Examination of the history of American women from 1607 to the present with emphasis on working conditions, women's rights, development of feminism, women's role in wartime, women in the family.
African-American History-1900
HIST 451
African background, the slave trade and evolution of slavery in the New World. The attack on slavery and its destruction.
3+3 Law Program
This major is eligible for the 3+3 Law Degree Program that allows qualified students to earn a bachelor’s degree and law degree in 6 years instead of 7 years.
Honors
Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.
The WVU Difference
What sets this program apart?
- Faculty specialize in a diverse range of historical time periods, from ancient Greece to modern day Africa.
- West Virginia and Appalachian history is a strength of our department.
- Faculty lectures have aired on C-SPAN and become the basis for award-winning books.
- Faculty have won the Mellon Fellowship, a National Science Foundation Law and Social Sciences Grant, and the Rome Prize from the American Academy in Rome.
- Annual Holt and Callahan Lectures bring guest speakers to campus.
- SpeakWrite Certified Major automatically fulfills the WVU General Education Foundations writing and communication skills requirement.
- Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
- 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
- Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend, and enhance your academic experience.
Learn by Doing
Get involved outside the classroom.
All History majors declare a minor to personalize their studies. Many select another minor or a second major based on their long-term goals.
Students are encouraged to find and apply for internships or study abroad opportunities. They have studied abroad in Turkey, Germany, England, Poland, South Africa, Australia, and more.
With faculty guidance, our students begin their own work as researchers, working in local or national archives to make their own discoveries.
View all of the student organizations you can join.
Careers and Outcomes
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
Clinical Research Coordinators
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $161,180
Possible Job Titles: Clinical Program Manager, Clinical Research Coordinator, Clinical Trial Manager, Research Coordinator
Operations Research Analysts
Has a Bright Outlook
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $91,290
Possible Job Titles: Analytical Strategist, Operations Research Analyst (Ops Research Analyst), Operations Research Scientist (Ops Research Scientist), Researcher
Park Naturalists
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $67,950
Possible Job Titles: Naturalist Park Guide, Park Naturalist, Park Ranger
Historians
Has a Bright Outlook
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $74,050
Possible Job Titles: Historian, Historic Sites Registrar, Research Associate, Researcher
Secondary School Teachers
Median Salary: $64,580
Possible Job Titles: English Teacher, Mathematics Instructor (Math Instructor), Social Studies Teacher, Teacher
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $47,460
Possible Job Titles: Conservator, Objects Conservator, Paintings Conservator, Preparator
Where our graduates work
- Education
- Government
- Human resources
- Intelligence
- International affairs
- Law
- Media
- Nonprofit organizations
- Public policy
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the History major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.
Tuition and Aid
How much does History at WVU cost? And how can you save?
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.
Ways to Save
Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.
Financial Aid
The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the History, BA is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Ohio Tuition Reciprocity
As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to History can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.
Start at Another WVU Campus
You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.
Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
Request Info
Want to know more about History at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.
Visit
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