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Undergraduate Major History (BA)

Study the Past and Shape the Future as a History Major at SNHU

As a history major at Southern New Hampshire University, you'll gain a broad foundation in United States history and Western civilization, mostly through primary sources. Then, with the help of your advisor, you'll go on to design your own history degree incorporating coursework from throughout the university. Choose a general track based in United States, European or world studies, or organize your Bachelor of Arts in History around a specific theme, such as religious, African-American, political, social, intellectual or economic topics, to name a few. SNHU's history major is designed to be comprehensive and flexible, so you can tailor your degree to your areas of interest.

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See Yourself Succeed in History

As an SNHU history major, learn to analyze the choices of the past and how those choices have affected the world we live in today. You'll also develop advanced critical thinking and communication skills through an intensive examination of the elements of history - texts, images, objects, landscapes - and the crafting of contemporary historical arguments based upon those sources.

As a private, nonprofit university, SNHU has one mission - to help you see yourself succeed. The benefits of majoring in history at SNHU include:

  • Supportive community. Join the SNHU campus community of students who are closely connected with faculty and staff dedicated to your success
  • Affordability. SNHU is one of the most affordable private, nonprofit universities in New Hampshire, and students who qualify could receive up to $20,000 in grants and scholarships. (This scholarship amount is only for students who do not need a visa to study in the U.S.)
  • Innovative programs. Study abroad at little or no extra cost
  • Accessible faculty. Learn from highly credentialed faculty who are experts in their fields and interact with you in the classroom, dining hall, fitness center and the stands
  • Opportunity. Tap into our nationwide network of alumni and strong connections with employers for internship and career opportunities
  • Campus experience. Enjoy more than 50 student clubs, champion Division II athletics and fun events on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, N.H., named a "Best Place to Live" by Money magazine


​Internships & Outcomes

History majors can be found in a variety of professions, including journalists, social organizers, public servants, and more. Lawyers, teachers, and economists often have history degrees, although additional studies are required for these professions. Whereas some majors provide specific training linked to one or two vocations, a BA in history prepares students for a wide range of career options.

Our internship and study abroad experiences allow you to apply classroom learning to the wider world. We encourage students to pursue such opportunities as part of their undergraduate studies. Prior students have interned in museums and other historical arenas as well as in more traditional business-related areas. They have also studied abroad in Ireland, Italy, England and other locations.

Curriculum

SNHU's undergraduate history program begins with a foundational education in both American and European history. The program also offers increasingly more opportunities to study world history and culture.

All history degree majors complete required courses in historical methods and a senior colloquium, where they write a senior thesis. In addition, you may pursue a secondary interest in more depth since the degree allows for 21 credits in electives.

Courses To Prepare You For Your Career

SNHU's bachelor's in history program includes:

  • General education
  • Degree-specific courses

General Education Program

Our programs are designed to equip you with the skills and insights you need to move forward. In recent years, employers have stressed the need for graduates with higher order skills - the skills that go beyond technical knowledge - such as:

  • Writing
  • Communication
  • Analysis
  • Problem solving

All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes. Through foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.

View Full Curriculum in the Catalog

BA in History

Courses May Include

HIS 101 Exploring the Past
A skills-oriented introduction to the study of history for majors and non-majors alike. Through the study of a key historical episodes or events, students will develop foundational historical skills: reading, writing, analysis, creative and critical thinking, and problem solving. Students will learn how to handle both primary and secondary historical sources, to evaluate historical evidence, and to analyze historical arguments.
HIS 102 The Medieval World: Exploring the Past
A skills-oriented introduction to the study of history for majors and non-majors alike. Through the study of a key episode or event in the Medieval period, students will develop foundational historical skills: reading, writing, analysis, creative and critical thinking, and problem solving. Students will learn how to handle both primary and secondary historical sources, to evaluate historical evidence, and to analyze historical arguments.
HIS 103 The Early Modern World: Exploring the Past
A skills-oriented introduction to the study of history for majors and non-majors alike. Through the study of a key episode or event in the Early Modern period, students will develop foundational historical skills: reading, writing, analysis, creative and critical thinking, and problem solving. Students will learn how to handle both primary and secondary historical sources, to evaluate historical evidence, and to analyze historical arguments.
HIS 104 The Modern World: Exploring the Past
A skills-oriented introduction to the study of history for majors and non-majors alike. Through the study of a key episode or event in the Modern period, students will develop foundational historical skills: reading, writing, analysis, creative and critical thinking, and problem solving. Students will learn how to handle both primary and secondary historical sources, to evaluate historical evidence, and to analyze historical arguments.

Total Credits: 120

Program Outcomes

Campus Undergraduate Costs

Undergraduate Day Students Tuition Financial Aid

Our Manchester campus aims to keep tuition and related costs low for our students so that you can pursue your degree and your goals. More than 90% of our students receive some form of financial aid, and students who qualify could receive up to $20,000 in grants and scholarships.

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University Accreditation

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.

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