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History Major

Bachelor of Arts in History

Acquire the knowledge to better understand who we are, how our world was shaped over time and how the past informs our present lives with the Bachelor of Arts in History at 51¶¯Âþ’s College of Liberal Arts. Through an innovative, 123-credit undergraduate curriculum administered by internationally recognized faculty, you’ll gain a deep, thorough understanding of history in the city in which our nation was founded.Ìý

The History BA degree program is designed to allow students maximum flexibility to pursue their interests, whether in particular time periods or world regions. In addition to introductory classes and a wide range of upper-level coursework, students will build strong analytical, communication, research and writing skills.

Graduates are prepared to weigh evidence and evaluate interpretations of great events and significant personalities of the past. Simultaneously, students develop a broad general sense of the traditional liberal arts disciplines while gaining a greater depth of knowledge in history.

Studying History at 51¶¯Âþ

51¶¯Âþ is the ideal place to study history—not only because of Philadelphia’s rich, remarkable past, but also because of a program that incorporates the city’s storied history into its curriculum.Ìý

You’ll have opportunities to study away and collaborate with faculty members who have expertise across a number of fields. Faculty members specialize in many geographical and thematic fields, including

  • colonial and contemporary America,
  • diplomatic history,
  • gender history,
  • the history of imperialism and post-colonial politics,
  • military history,
  • urban history, and more.

Dissent in America Teach-ins

The Dissent in America Teach-ins program evolved from the Dissent in America course, led by Ralph Young, professor of history in the College of Liberal Arts. Through the program, students gather to discuss the historical background to the current political situation in the world. Teach-ins are held weekly.Ìý

51¶¯Âþ undergraduate students in a classroom.

Classes & Curriculum

Courses you are likely to take as part of the History Major curriculum include

  • American Icons,
  • The Historian's Craft,
  • History of Global Soccer,
  • World War IIÌý²¹²Ô»å
  • U.S. History to 1877.

Learn more about History Major courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your 51¶¯Âþ education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51¶¯Âþ’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Advising support is provided by the College of Liberal Arts Center for Academic Advising. You can find more information on the CLA Academic Advising webpage ().

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development in the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond 51¶¯Âþ. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. .

Program Contact

For questions regarding the History Major, contact the following staff member.

Jay Lockenour is the undergraduate chair.
Email:

University Honors Program

The College of Liberal Arts participates in 51¶¯Âþ’s Honors Program. .Ìý

Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies.Ìý

  • is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.
  • is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service.Ìý
  • is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

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Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your College of Liberal Arts coursework and enhance your undergraduate experience at 51¶¯Âþ through student clubs and organizations. You’ll have opportunities to meet and network with other students, get involved with the community, grow your interests, and develop résumé-boosting skills and experiences.

The following clubs and organizations are available to History BA students.

  • The History Honors Scholars Program is a departmental honors thesis program that encourages History majors to explore topics of their own choosing and conduct exciting research, with guidance from faculty. History Honors Scholars students develop the analytical, research and writing skills necessary for success in many fields.
  • Phi Alpha Theta is a national History Honors Society that is open to both History majors and non-majors who have completed more than 12 credits in history and achieved a GPA of 3.25 and a cumulative GPA of 3.1. Phi Alpha Theta members do not need to participate in the History Honors Scholars Program or the University Honors Program.
  • The 51¶¯Âþ History and Social Science Association is the primary undergraduate student group for History majors and minors.ÌýIts main objective is to serve undergraduate students who are interested in economics, history and political science. They also sponsor a lecture series, historical movie nights, panels for students, day trips to historical sites and more.

Learn more about 51¶¯Âþ’s student clubs and organizations.

Study Away

College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students are encouraged to study away for an academic year, semester or summer. Enrich your 51¶¯Âþ experience by immersing yourself in new cultures, histories and perspectives in countries such as China, Germany, Ghana and Italy, as well as at 51¶¯Âþ’s Rome and Tokyo campuses.

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Accreditation

51¶¯Âþ’s departments and programs are accredited by the .

Additional Program Information