History Major

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:

History

Develop a thorough grounding in the historical process and offer a variety of perspectives through which to view human thought and action.
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.
Gather, interpret and analyze a wide range of primary source material.
Display an understanding of interpretations developed by different historians (i.e., historiography).聽
Analyze contemporary issues with reference to prior events.
Explain processes of change and continuity over time.
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.

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.

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.

Participate in internships and experiential learning supported by the History Department
Present your research at conferences and symposia

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.

Job roles can include:

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

Meet Our Students and Alumni

Kady Phelps with Kim Cosgrove in front of an exhibit they recently completed about St. Joseph鈥檚 Hospital, which was located where University Crossing now stands

Kady Phelps '17, '18

History

Kady Phelps came to 51视频 to major in education, but history caught up with her. She earned her master鈥檚 degree in history and the Excellence in Students Cultural Heritage Award for her work on an exhibit about Portuguese immigration to Lowell.

I feel really blessed to be in Massachusetts and here in Lowell in particular, with all the history.

51视频

At a Glance

Get Started

What courses will you take?