B.A. in History

With a Bachelor of Arts in history from VCU, you’ll gain expertise on the human past.

Along the way, you will hone your skills in library and research, critical thinking, persuasive analysis, writing, presentation and management. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a career in a wide variety of fields, including public history, law, public administration, education, not-for-profit management and business, or you could opt to enter graduate study in history.

Degree Options

B.A. in History

The history curriculum exposes students to a multidimensional analysis of the human past. Faculty members seek to impart to students an awareness of the forces of change and continuity; good judgement as to the appropriateness (or inappropriateness) of analogies between one set of historical circumstances and another; an appreciation of the need for skepticism and informed judgment in historical studies; and an understanding of the role of biases and frames of reference in historical research.

B.A. in History with a Concentration in Public History

The concentration in public history draws on faculty expertise and the wealth of historical resources available in the Richmond area to engage such analyses with audiences outside the classroom. Public history is exemplified by the work of archivists, museum curators, historical guides, historic preservationists, editors, publishers and digital media specialists, all of whom rely upon a blend of practical, hands-on experience and substantive academic training.

How to Declare a History Major

  1. Complete the VCU Change of Major/Concentration Form online
  2. Contact Maggie Hasselbach and schedule an appointment to assess your plan for completing the major

Complementary Majors and Minors

The history major comprises some 36 credits, and leaves plenty of room for students to complete another course of study. Creative and thoughtful combinations of coursework in history with other areas of study can be an excellent boost to a student’s skill set and career options.

Visit the Complementary Majors and Minors page for full details.