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Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Department of History
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Bachelor of Arts in History

Our students learn the best practices of historical research while developing the skills for a successful career.
Female wearing National Park uniform gives presentation outside in front of a civil war cannon.

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.

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Program Overview

Program Delivery: On-campus

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.

Opportunities

Explore the WVU Difference through this program's academic, research, and student life opportunities.

  • 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.

Living Learning Communities

Find a community where you can live with others who share your interests. You will have opportunities to connect with faculty, staff and professionals in areas aligned with your LLC's emphasis. Learn more about WVU Living Learning Communities.

Student Organizations

To explore more organizations, visit WVUEngage where you can browse and manage organizations, find events, and showcase your involvement.

Research and Opportunities

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.

Explore Career Paths

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

  1. 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.

    Also called: Conservation Technician, Conservator, Objects Conservator, Paintings Conservator

  2. 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.

    Also called: Historian, Historic Sites Registrar, Research Associate, Researcher

  3. Park Naturalists

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

    Also called: Environmental Education Specialist, Naturalist, Park Naturalist, Park Ranger

  4. 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.

    Also called: English Teacher, Math Teacher (Mathematics Teacher), Social Studies Teacher, Teacher

  5. 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.

    Also called: Clinical Research Administrator, Clinical Program Manager, Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Clinical Research Coordinator, Clinical Trial Manager

  6. 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.

    Also called: Analytical Strategist, Operations Research Analyst, Operations Research Manager, Scientist

Graduates from this major have gone to work at: