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HistoryMajor

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.

Overview

What is History at WVU like?

Description

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.

History program highlights:

At a Glance

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

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Fast Facts

What makes History at WVU unique?

Research and Academic 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.

3+3 Law Degree 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

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

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

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.

Student Organizations

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

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Professional Organizations

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

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

History majors in our department have worked at National Park Service sites and the National Main Street Project in Charleston, W.Va.

Graduates have gone on to work as curators or in the fields of education, government, human resources, intelligence, international affairs, law, media, nonprofit organizations and public policy.

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's History major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in History at WVU?

HIST 210:
Modern Military History

Military history from the American Revolution to the present, stressing the evolution of warfare with particular attention to strategy, tactics, weaponry and the consequences of war.

HIST 250:
West Virginia

Historical foundations and development of West Virginia, with particular emphasis upon the growth of the government, the economy, and the traditions of the state.

HIST 320:
Pre-Colonial Africa

History of Africa, earliest times to mid-nineteenth century. Focus on population and interaction, state formation, trade in sub-Saharan Africa, and on impact of external influences such as Christianity and Islam.

HIST 365:
The Vietnam War

United States participation in the 1946-1975 fighting in Indochina. United States involvement in the political and military conflict, and the impact of the war on the United States.

HIST 445:
History of American Women

Examination of the history of American women from 1607 to the present with emphasis on working conditions, women's rights, development of feminism, women's role in wartime, women in the family.

HIST 451:
African-American History-1900

African background, the slave trade and evolution of slavery in the New World. The attack on slavery and its destruction.

Cost 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.

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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

Learn About Our HS ACCESS Early College Program

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

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for History at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's History major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

What minors could I consider?

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

Apply Now

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.

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Request Information

Want to know more about History at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

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Visit WVU

It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.

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