Bachelor of Arts in History

Admissions & Aid College of Arts and Sciences
A group of University of Portland students sits attentively , listening to a history lecture. Desks hold notebooks and personal items.

Bachelor of Arts in History

What Will I Learn in the History Major?

Step into a program that transforms your fascination with history into a toolkit for analyzing our world. University of Portland’s (UP) bachelor of arts (BA) in history degree program goes beyond memorization of historical events, propelling your development of critical thinking skills, research expertise, and analytical abilities.

Understanding how cultures have evolved and societies interact has the power to shape you into an ethical and mindful global citizen. Experiences like the Mock Trial team, the History Club, and the Phi Alpha Theta honor society accentuate your education, so you’ll graduate well-positioned to excel at an array of careers or pursue advanced studies.

History Courses

Major courses in American, European, and non-Western studies give you a well-rounded perspective of historical events, allowing you to better understand today’s global society.

UP’s history major also offers discussion-oriented seminars that foster in-depth exploration of specific topics aligned with faculty expertise. Past seminars have covered subjects such as the history of Portland, environmental history, the European family, food history, women's health in post-World War II America, the lives of medieval saints, and the French Revolution. The BA in history culminates in a senior thesis, where you display your research, analysis, and presentation skills under the guidance of a dedicated faculty mentor.

Degree Requirements

University Core

Your foundation at University of Portland starts with our Core Curriculum, where liberal arts principles cultivate your ability to analyze complex issues through academic inquiry and compassionate understanding. This prepares you to address real-world challenges with wisdom and social awareness.

The Core

History Minor

Complement nearly any major with UP's history minor to broaden your perspective and understand how history intersects with nearly every aspect of society.

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More than a Degree

University of Portland’s bachelor’s degree in history combines rigorous academic study with exciting real-world, skills-focused experiences. We aim to build a dynamic degree that focuses on your personal and professional growth.

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Northwest Passages

As a history major, you have the opportunity to see your work published in UP’s Northwest Passages student history journal. Sponsored by the Phi Alpha Theta national history honor society, a student-led editorial team produces each edition, which features senior theses and student writing assignments.

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Study Abroad

University of Portland’s vibrant study abroad programs complement the history major, ensuring you meet your academic goals while receiving an international education. What’s more, as a student in the history bachelor’s degree program, venturing abroad means you can immerse yourself in the historical contexts you're studying.

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Holy Cross Informed Education

Guided by UP’s Holy Cross values, the BA in history program brings together academics and moral engagement as you explore a range of cultures and examine the ethical implications of events. This dual focus prepares you to use your historical expertise to contribute to positive socioeconomic change.

The UP Difference

Experience the UP difference: where every student thrives through tailored learning paths and outstanding academic programs.

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#

“Regional Universities – West” by U.S. News & World Report

:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Students seated in curved tiered desks rows listening to a history lecture; some use laptops. A whiteboard is visible at the front of the classroom.
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%

Of Students Receive Financial Aid or Scholarships

History Student Spotlight

"If you decide to become a part of the History Department at UP, you are making a choice to become part of a family. Instead of being seen only as students in the department, history majors are seen as collaborators, academics, community activists, and friends. In the months after graduation, I’ve quickly realized how much the history faculty have helped me grow as a human being. Pushed to continuously ask deep questions, I was taught how I can use history to understand society and the world around me while my cohort of fellow history majors inspired me to become my best self through unique relationships built by high-caliber academia, memorable events, and remarkable amounts of laughter. When I look back at decisions I made at UP, my choice to become a history major is easily one of the best decisions I made. The history department ultimately inspired a passion to serve my community through historical education, a desire to advocate for social justice, and ambitions to spread human compassion as far as I could reach. Studying history at UP helped me find myself."

Anthony Vitali ‘17, history teacher at Boston University Academy

Careers and Outcomes

With such a versatile skill set, UP history major graduates excel in diverse career paths across a range of industries and professional disciplines.

Careers with a BA in History

The history major prepares you for a range of rewarding careers across industries so you can make an impact at local and global levels in roles such as:

  • Archivist
  • Filmmaker
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Grant Writer
  • Information Manager
  • Librarian
  • Museum Curator
  • Paralegal
  • Records Manager
  • Researcher
  • Writer

Graduate Studies

UP’s history bachelor’s degree program is also often a first step for students interested in advanced graduate and professional studies in fields such as business, education, law, and more at institutions such as:

  • Georgetown University
  • London School of Economics
  • UCLA
  • The University of Chicago
  • University of Hawaii
  • University of Portland
  • University of Regensburg
  • University of Washington
  • Villanova University

Alumni Employers

Employers value UP history alumni for their practical skills and deep analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Our graduates have enjoyed success at companies such as:

  • Boston University Academy
  • History Colorado
  • Metropolitan Public Defender
  • TOTE Maritime
  • Valley Catholic School
  • Xenon arc

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Uncover the Past and Shape the Future

Join a community passionate about understanding how past events continue to shape our world. University of Portland’s bachelor of arts in history degree program can launch you to a range of fulfilling careers as a historian, researcher, educator, or leader. Apply now to get started.

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