Top 10 Best Colleges for History Majors

History is one of the most fascinating subjects you can study—it explains how the world we live in today came to be, offers insights into future developments, and reveals so much about human interaction. If you’re passionate about understanding the past and want to turn that passion into a degree, you’ll want to check out the best colleges for history majors.

These schools offer great classes and will immerse you in analysis, research, and presentations, giving you the tools to think critically about the world. Some programs even include exciting challenges like completing a thesis or mastering a second language. Ready to dive into the past and shape your future? Let’s explore these schools in this blog.

• What Are the Colleges with Good History Programs?
• What Is a History Degree All About?
• What Can You Do with a History Degree?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Colleges with Good History Programs?

Some colleges stand out for their exceptional history programs, offering rigorous coursework, expert faculty, and unique opportunities for research and exploration. Let’s take a closer look at the top colleges that excel in preparing history majors for success, based on US News and World Report’s ranking:

1. University of California-Berkeley

Acceptance rate: 11%

Average tuition rate: $16,832 (in-state)

If you’re a history buff looking for the best colleges for history majors, UC Berkeley’s Department of History is a must-consider option. You’ll find a wide range of geographical, chronological, and topical courses that allow you to tailor your studies, whether you’re pursuing a history degree or integrating historical perspectives into other fields.

UC Berkeley places a strong emphasis on original research, encouraging you to dive deep into topics you’re passionate about. Every history major completes a capstone project, guided by faculty members who help you turn your ideas into impactful work.

Declaring a history major is straightforward—you just need three letter-graded courses within the department, including at least two lower-division ones, and a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

2. Princeton University

Acceptance rate: 4.6%

Average tuition rate: $65,210

If you’re searching for the best colleges for history majors, Princeton should be high on your list. Princeton’s History Department lets you dive into your passions while exploring the vast dimensions of this field. As a history major, you’ll take ten courses across four core concentrations:

• Power and Conflict
• Race and Difference
• Knowledge and Belief
• Pre-modern History

You’ll also broaden your perspective with courses focused on regions like Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia, often overlapping with your thematic studies.

3. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Acceptance rate: 17.9%

Average tuition rate: $17,086 (in-state)

When you think about the history department at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, three words immediately come to mind: global, multidimensional, and interdisciplinary. As one of the best colleges for history majors, Michigan combines world-class research with innovative teaching, all while celebrating the diverse stories that make up our past.

As a history major at UMichigan, you’ll take ten courses, with at least five completed in residence at Michigan. Plus, five of your courses must be at the 300-level or higher, ensuring you gain a deep and advanced understanding of the field.

4. Yale University

Acceptance rate: 3.7%

Average tuition rate: $67,250

If you’re looking for one of the best colleges for history majors, Yale should be at the top of your list. Yale’s History Department believes that shaping the future starts with understanding the past, and their program dives deep into centuries of human ingenuity and resourcefulness—on both personal and global scales.

As a history major at Yale, you’ll develop skills that go beyond the classroom. You’ll learn to craft compelling stories, analyze complex ideas, and build strong arguments grounded in historical theories and evidence. Plus, you’ll have the chance to conduct original research using Yale’s incredible library resources.

What makes Yale’s history program stand out is its intellectual diversity—it covers nearly every region and period of the world’s past. To complete the major, you’ll explore five courses across six regions: the US, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

5. Columbia University

Acceptance rate: 3.85%

Average tuition rate: $71,170

Columbia’s History curriculum spans the globe and covers nearly every historical period, offering you the chance to develop both a deep understanding of the past and the analytical skills to interpret it.

The program is structured around two types of courses: seminars and lectures. In seminars, you’ll work closely with historical sources in small groups, tackling more advanced writing assignments. Meanwhile, lectures range from broad surveys of specific regions to thematic explorations of particular topics.

Since there are no strict prerequisites for history courses, you’ll have the flexibility to design a path that suits your interests.

If you’re ready for a challenge, Columbia also offers a rigorous track that includes a historiography course and a senior thesis project. Graduates from Columbia’s History Department have gone on to excel in law, media, academia, medicine, and more.

6. Stanford University

Acceptance rate: 3.9%

Average tuition rate: $62,484

As one of the best colleges for history majors, Stanford’s History Department is built on the belief that understanding the past helps us make sense of the present and the future.

At Stanford, studying history is about developing the interpretive, analytical, and expressive skills needed to understand social transformation over time. As a history major, you’ll need to stay on track by meeting with your departmental advisor twice a year, during the first three weeks of autumn and winter quarters, to ensure you’re prepared to succeed.

To earn your degree, you’ll complete a minimum of 63 units, all while diving deep into the lives, events, and transformations that have shaped humanity.

7. University of California-Los Angeles

Acceptance rate: 9%

Average tuition rate: $14,208 (in-state)

If you’re searching for the best colleges for history majors, UCLA’s History Department is one of the most welcoming and dynamic places to explore your passion for the past. With a globally renowned faculty made up of top-notch professors and award-winning scholars, UCLA offers exceptional advising at every stage of your undergraduate journey.

The department’s courses span an incredible range of periods and places, from ancient China to modern Africa, and tackle topics like:

• Regional and global history
• Diaspora and ethnicity
• War, class and culture
• Visual culture

This broad curriculum gives you a deep understanding of the world and helps you grow as an engaged, informed citizen.

At UCLA, you’ll hone your ability to think critically, analyze evidence, and communicate effectively—skills that will serve you well in careers like journalism, education, law, the arts, and even medicine!

8. University of Chicago

Acceptance rate: 4.5%

Average tuition rate: $69,324

It’s no wonder that UChicago is among the best colleges for history majors. With over 70 undergraduate courses each year, you’ll have access to a diverse range of classes, from introductory lectures to specialized seminars that dive deep into specific historical moments.

As a history major at Chicago, you’ll have the option to choose from different tracks, including the BA, colloquium, thesis, or capstone track. Each track lets you focus on a particular historical time, place, or theme, while also allowing you to complete an original research project.

If you choose the colloquium track, you’ll write a fresh 15-page research paper, while the research track allows you to dive into a hands-on research project. For the capstone track, you get the freedom to decide how you want to present your findings. No matter which track you choose, you’ll gain the skills to explore history in a meaningful and impactful way.

9. Harvard University

Acceptance rate: 3.6%

Average tuition rate: $55,656

Harvard’s History Department believes the strength of the major lies in the diversity of paths you can take—allowing you to explore a wide range of historical subjects. What ties everything together is a rigorous, shared methodology that encourages close analysis of primary sources, engages with current scholarship and events, and promotes the exchange of ideas through various media.

If you’re interested in joining Harvard’s History Department, you’ll be encouraged to dive into their Foundation Courses or meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies to plan your path. All history majors must complete ten courses, but if you’re planning to write a senior thesis, you’ll need to register for History 99a and 99b, bringing your total to 12 courses.

10. Johns Hopkins University

Acceptance rate: 5.7%

Average tuition rate: $64,730

If you’re searching for one of the best colleges for history majors, Johns Hopkins University is a top contender. At Hopkins, history is considered both a humanistic and social scientific discipline, including various interpretive and explanatory approaches to the past. It’s a place where scholars are introduced to diverse methods for understanding history, and they truly excel in this field.

The department offers a wide range of courses, from introductory classes to more advanced seminars that promote direct interaction with professors and fellow students. As you advance, most courses are writing-intensive, helping you sharpen your critical reading skills and develop the unique skills of a historian.

What Is a History Degree All About?

If you’re looking into one of the best colleges for history majors, you might be wondering what the history major actually involves. Unlike high school history courses where you’re memorizing dates and facts, a history degree teaches you to critically analyze the past and become a more informed, engaged citizen.

History majors dive deep into analysis and evaluation, taking classes that cover a wide range of regions and time periods. This helps you appreciate the vast scope of history and allows you to focus on the eras and topics that really interest you. What’s great about history degree requirements is that they’re often flexible, giving you the freedom to explore different subjects.

As you progress, you’ll gain the tools to understand the connections between the past, present, and future. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to conduct original research, applying the methods you’ve learned in the classroom. Many schools even have undergraduate history journals where you can publish your best work.

If you’re looking to enhance your language skills or gain a more hands-on history experience, you might want to look into study abroad programs. These give you the chance to visit historical sites and see artifacts in person—an experience that’s especially meaningful for history majors studying regions far from campus.

Types of history degrees

When it comes to pursuing a history degree in the U.S., there are several types that you can choose from, depending on your interests and career goals. Here’s a breakdown of the common types of history degrees:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in History (BA or BS)

• Bachelor of Arts (BA). The most common type of undergraduate degree in history. It offers a well-rounded education, including courses in various regions, time periods, and historical themes. A BA often includes a broader liberal arts curriculum, allowing you to explore other fields of interest.
• Bachelor of Science (BS). Less common, but some schools offer a BS in History, which might include a stronger focus on research methods, historical theory, and data analysis.

2. Master’s Degree in History (MA or MS)

• Master of Arts (MA). This is typically a two-year graduate program focused on further specialization in a specific area of history, such as modern history, ancient history, or history of a particular region (e.g., European or American history). Some programs may require a thesis, while others focus more on coursework.
• Master of Science (MS). While rarer in history, an MS might be offered at some institutions and could focus on the application of historical research and analysis in fields like public policy or archival management.

3. Doctoral Degree in History (Ph.D.)

• Ph.D. in History. The most advanced level of academic study in history. It focuses on original research, and students typically spend several years conducting research for their dissertation. Ph.D. programs often offer deep specialization in a particular area of history (e.g., American, Medieval, or Global history). This degree is necessary if you’re aiming for a career in academia or research.

4. Dual degree programs

• Some universities offer dual degree programs where you can earn a history degree alongside another discipline. For example, you might pursue a BA in History and a Master’s in Public Policy or a Ph.D. in History and a law degree (JD). These programs are ideal for students interested in combining history with fields like law, education, or government.

5. Online history degrees

• Many colleges and universities offer online history degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These are especially beneficial for students who need flexibility in their schedules or who may not be able to attend traditional, on-campus programs. Online history degrees can be both BA and MA-level programs, offering similar coursework to their in-person counterparts.

6. History concentrations or minors

• Concentration. Some students major in another field but choose history as a concentration within their degree (e.g., a Political Science major with a concentration in History). This allows them to specialize in a historical period or region while earning a degree in a different subject.
• Minor in History. If history is a secondary interest or if you want to supplement your primary major, you can pursue a minor in history. This typically requires fewer courses than a full major and gives you a solid foundation in historical analysis and research.

What Can You Do with a History Degree?

A history degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities in various fields. Here are the top five jobs you can pursue with a history degree in the U.S., along with their average salaries (based on Indeed data):

1. Historian

Average salary: $70,272

Historians research, analyze, and interpret past events. They work with primary and secondary sources, conducting research that can be used for academic purposes, museums, government agencies, and more.

2. Archivist

Average salary: $59,159

Archivists are responsible for preserving and managing historical documents and records. They may work in libraries, museums, government agencies, or private companies to ensure that important materials are properly stored and accessible.

3. Museum curator

Average salary: $67,291

Curators oversee collections of artwork, historical artifacts, or other objects of cultural significance. They organize exhibits, conduct research, and often design educational programs for visitors.

4. Public relations specialist

Average salary: $60,197

History majors with strong writing and communication skills can work in public relations, crafting press releases, managing media relations, and developing communication strategies for organizations. Their ability to research and understand complex narratives can be an asset in this role.

5. Secondary school teacher

Average salary: $60,805

History teachers at the high school level educate students about past events, cultures, and historical figures. They create lesson plans, lead discussions, and assess students’ understanding of history.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is history a good major?

A history major can be a great choice if you’re passionate about learning the past and developing strong critical thinking, research, and writing skills. It opens doors to diverse careers in fields like law, education, journalism, and government. History majors also gain a deep understanding of culture and society, which can be valuable in many roles.

2. Can I specialize in a specific region or period of history?

Yes, many of the best colleges for history majors allow you to specialize in a particular region or period. For example, you can focus on European, Asian, Latin American, or African history, or you could specialize in more specific topics like the Civil War, medieval history, or women’s history.

3. Do history majors need to study a foreign language?

Many history programs, especially at top colleges, require or recommend that history majors learn a foreign language. This is especially important if you plan to study history from non-English-speaking regions, as it allows you to read primary source materials in their original language. Requirements vary by school, but proficiency in at least one foreign language is common for students studying global history or certain regional focuses.

Takeaways

• Some of the best colleges for history majors are UC Berkeley, Princeton, Yale, and Stanford.
• With a history degree, you can become either a historian, archivist, or school teacher, among other options.
• At AdmissionSight, we understand how competitive the admissions process can be, especially for top history programs. That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way. With our personalized coaching, we help students like you stand out in the admissions process.