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Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

History, BA

What if there was a way to tell the story of why we are the way we are? To study human behavior as if in a lab with unlimited evidence? To preserve what makes us unique and understand what keeps us going?

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 The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Using a quick square to make a sketch.

History helps us discover new meaning in the past, present and future. Our students learn the best practices of historical research while developing skills for a successful career: thinking critically, communicating effectively and tackling complex problems.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • 3+3 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 six years instead of seven years.

  • Early College Program

    Get a head start (and save money) in our High School ACCESS program for high school students. Choose from online, on-campus or dual credit courses that fulfill requirements for general education or History. Online courses to consider for this major include:

    • HIST 101: Western Civilization: Antiquity to 1600
    • HIST 102: Western Civilization: 1600 to Present
    • HIST 153: Making of Modern America: 1865 to the Present
    • HIST 179: World History to 1500
    • HIST 180: World History Since 1500

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • 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.
  • 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.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

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.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $157,740

Possible job titles include: Clinical Research Administrator, Clinical Program Manager, Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Clinical Research Coordinator, Clinical Trial Manager.

Explore Career

Operations Research Analysts

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decision making, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, service, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $83,640

Possible job titles include: Analytical Strategist, Operations Research Analyst, Operations Research Manager, Scientist.

Explore Career

Park Naturalists

Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.

Median Salary: $68,750

Possible job titles include: Environmental Education Specialist, Naturalist, Park Naturalist, Park Ranger.

Explore Career

Historians

Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $72,890

Possible job titles include: Historian, Historic Sites Registrar, Research Associate, Researcher.

Explore Career

Secondary School Teachers

Teach students in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics or social studies, at the secondary level in public or private schools. May be designated according to subject matter specialty.

Median Salary: $65,220

Possible job titles include: English Teacher, Math Teacher (Mathematics Teacher), Social Studies Teacher, Teacher.

Explore Career

Museum Technicians and Conservators

Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $48,670

Possible job titles include: Conservation Technician, Conservator, Objects Conservator, Exhibit Technician, Preparator.

Explore Career

Where Graduates are Working

  • Education
  • Government
  • Human resources
  • Intelligence
  • International affairs
  • Law
  • Media
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Public policy

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's 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.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Early College Program

Get a head start (and save money) in our High School ACCESS program for high school students. Choose from online, on-campus or dual credit courses that fulfill requirements for general education or History. Online courses to consider for this major include:

  • HIST 101: Western Civilization: Antiquity to 1600
  • HIST 102: Western Civilization: 1600 to Present
  • HIST 153: Making of Modern America: 1865 to the Present
  • HIST 179: World History to 1500
  • HIST 180: World History Since 1500
Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the History major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the 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.

Learn More

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.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Request Info

Want to know more about History at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

Request Info

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