Skip to main content
History student visiting a historic site for research

Campus-Based 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 concentration in American, European or Military history, 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.

Visit Campus Campus Admission

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. It’s our mission to make higher education more accessible. That’s why, SNHU is one of the most affordable private, nonprofit universities in New Hampshire. 
  • 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

Concentration Options

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 American, European, Asian and comparative 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 select a concentration in American, European or Military history, or choose your own electives to focus on the historical issues that interest you most.

Courses To Prepare You For Your Life & Career

SNHU's bachelor's in history program includes:

  • General education courses
  • Degree-specific courses

General Education Program

SNHU's required general education program, known as The Commons, aims to guide you toward success in not only your academic career, but your personal and professional life too.

Throughout the curriculum, you'll gain some of the most in-demand skills in today's workplace, including:

  • Research and information analysis
  • Diverse audience communication
  • Critical thinking and ethical problem solving
  • Leadership, emotional intelligence and collaboration

This expertise will prove practical, transferable and invaluable as you grow in your career and contribute positively to society.

Beyond foundational skill development, the general education program also provides the benefit of allowing you to explore a wide range of fields outside of your intended major.

Two campus students using their laptops to complete school work

Campus Undergraduate Tuition

Our Manchester campus aims to keep tuition and related costs low for our students so that you can pursue your degree and your goals.

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.

Related Articles

A seated counselor using his hands to help him explain a thought.

What Does a Counselor Do?

Social Sciences
With a career as a counselor, you can make a difference in the lives of others and open up a wide range of opportunities for yourself. Opportunities for counselors are growing as the field evolves. As a counselor, you could work in a hospital, rehab facility, human resources department or school.
A detective sitting in a chair looking at a bulletin board going over evidence

How to Become a Detective

Social Sciences
From comic book heroes, to television dramas, to reality-TV series and countless movies, being a detective is a profession that has intrigued audiences and captured collective imaginations across generations. But what it’s really like to be a detective, and how do you become one?
A professional with a master’s in psychology meeting with two people.

What Can You Do With a Master's Degree in Psychology?

Social Sciences
If you’re fascinated by the mind and how an individual, community or organization thinks, earning a master’s in psychology can lead you toward a career field that is engaging and growing. Help make the world a better place by engaging businesses, protecting the vulnerable and more.