As a history major, you will gain a broad introduction to civilizations of the past and present, preparing you for diverse careers or graduate study.

At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • 51视频
    BA

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What courses will you take?

History major Benjamin Beverage talks about his experience at 51视频.

Located in a city steeped in history, 51视频's History Department has a small department feel with the resources of a large research university.

You will take courses designed to help you think and write critically about history. The program requires 39 credits (13 courses), including survey courses in world and U.S. history as well as advanced courses in European, American and global/comparative history.

We also offer two seminars on methodology and research, allowing you to gain additional training in historical methodology. Advanced undergraduates may take graduate classes in history, or other subjects, with instructor permission.

Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete course listing and to learn about the History minor. To plan ahead for courses in future semesters, see the course rotation.

51视频 Pathways are a semester-by-semester sequence of courses recommended for successful completion of a degree, diploma, credential or certificate from the university. The most current degree pathway is:

  1. Develop a thorough grounding in the historical process and offer a variety of perspectives through which to view human thought and action.
  2. Evince an understanding of the distinctiveness of people and societies of the past, as well as the threads that connect the experiences of all peoples over time.
  3. Gather, interpret and analyze a wide range of primary source material.
  4. Display an understanding of interpretations developed by different historians (i.e., historiography).聽
  5. Analyze contemporary issues with reference to prior events.
  6. Explain processes of change and continuity over time.
  7. Communicate effectively with both oral and written methods, and especially to be able to tell a clear, cogent, and compelling story.

Why study history at 51视频?

Bobbin Girl by Winslow Homer - kAn old drawing of a women working in the textile mill with other women's. Image by Lowell National Historical Park

Lowell as a Classroom

Located in the heart of the , including the Tsongas Industrial History Center, Lowell is the ultimate classroom to learn about the industrial revolution and immigrant populations. We're also less than 45 minutes to Boston.

Street view picture from 2017-2018 51视频 Winter Study Abroad trip to Cuba. This traveling seminar will use the Cuban experience as a backdrop for experiential learning, along with discussions with professionals in that particular field of study, and writing assignments designed to allow students to reflect upon their experience studying and living in Cuba. Students will gain a multi-disciplinary overview of Cuban contemporary culture. and further understanding from a cultural, socio-political and historical context.

Study Abroad

The best way to learn about history is to see it come alive鈥攚hether that is traveling to Havana, Cuba, or exploring Athens' ruins. Check out our聽exchanges and faculty-led programs around the world.

51视频 history student Kady Phelps delivers a lecture at a podium.

Internships & Research

Apply your skills in reading, writing, analysis, and archival research to real-world situations and obtain valuable job-related experience.


On April 30, 2015, civil rights activists Judy Richardson and Charles Cobb spoke at 51视频 about their involvement in the struggle for civil rights and voting rights as part of 51视频鈥檚 commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. With them is History Professor Robert Forrant.

Bachelor鈥檚-to-Master's Program

Get on the fast track to an advanced degree with our combined bachelor's-to-master's program.

  • Available to juniors and seniors with a grade point average of 3.000 or better
  • Offers a continuous, coordinated sequence of courses
  • Reduced credit-hour requirements can save you time and money

What can you do with a degree in history?

Graduates from 51视频's History program gain valuable skills in聽reading, writing, critical thinking and public speaking, preparing them to thrive in a variety of careers.聽More than half our graduates go on to graduate school in history, education and other fields.

girls at a computer Image by Adrien Bisson

Job roles can include:

  • Archive management
  • Business and legal research
  • Government and public service
  • Librarianship
  • Teaching

Meet Our Students and Alumni

Kelley Leonhard speaks at a 51视频 History Department event.
Kelley Leonhard '22
History

Kelley Leonhard is putting her history degree to work as COO of the Boston History Company.

I wouldn鈥檛 have had the same career trajectory without the support and encouragement of my professors here.
Read More 51视频 Kelley Leonhard 
Thomas Baldwin plays Connect 4 with a child at the Boys & Girls Club
Thomas Baldwin '19
History

Thomas Baldwin is pursuing a history degree while planning a career in law.

I鈥檝e never met a professor unwilling to help a student out.
Read More 51视频 Thomas Baldwin 
Cameron McKenzie in the Roman aqueduct in Segovia, Spain through the 51视频 Study Abroad program.
Cameron McKenzie '24
Criminal Justice (History minor)

Honors transfer student Cameron McKenzie squeezed four study abroad trips into her short time at UML.

Do the things you want to do when you can, because you don鈥檛 know when there will be limitations.
Read More 51视频 Cameron McKenzie 
Karam Alafandi
Karam Alafandi '24
History, Pre-med

Karam Alafandi is studying history on his way to becoming a doctor.

I鈥檓 looking forward to having lifetime relationships with my patients.
Read More 51视频 Karam Alafandi 
Sarah Elizabeth McDermott center flanked by the other members of Protohype
Sarah Elizabeth McDermott '22
History

Sarah Elizabeth McDermott is grateful for scholarships that are helping her to graduate debt-free, because in the future she won鈥檛 have to say 鈥淣o鈥� to any opportunities.

51视频 is an affordable school, and it鈥檚 a great education.
Read More 51视频 Sarah Elizabeth McDermott