Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History

Shape the Future as a History Major

Discover how past and present societies constructed the modern world with a Bachelor of Arts in History at San Jos茅 State University.

Examine the political, social, cultural and economic contexts of civilizations from the past to the present. While completing a BA in History, you鈥檒l refine your research expertise and connect historical themes to current events.

Our curriculum provides a balanced perspective of both global and U.S. narratives. This broad foundation prepares you for active roles in education, government, law, journalism and business. By graduation, you鈥檒l be equipped to champion cultural preservation for future generations and guide tomorrow鈥檚 progress.

Why Major in History at 91传媒厂?

San Jos茅 State University is where Spartan grit meets cultural discovery. With a 150-year legacy of excellence, our Department of History supports you along your path to success. In 91传媒厂鈥檚 bachelor鈥檚 in history program, you benefit from:

Explore 91传媒厂's achievements and how they shape your education.

25%

#5

#11

 

What You鈥檒l Learn

Begin an immersive, research-driven academic experience that expands your worldview. As a history major at 91传媒厂, you鈥檒l fulfill general education requirements and take a total of 50 units for your major.

Prerequisite classes cover history fundamentals, writing and historiography, while upper-division classes [pdf] span pre-1750 history to the present day. Our curriculum equips you for professional roles in the workforce or continued study in graduate school.

While completing a BA in History, learn how to:

  • Connect regional and global events to understand how political, cultural, social and economic developments influence our modern world.
  • Craft clear, persuasive essays that translate complex research into compelling arguments for diverse audiences.
  • Evaluate historical data and synthesize evidence from a variety of sources.
  • Examine bias and develop critical thinking skills that separate fact from fiction for both past and current events.

Degree Requirements [pdf]

Learning Outcomes

After graduating with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in history, you鈥檒l be ready to:

  1. Describe and explain how societies evolved over time and space while demonstrating the importance of social, political, economic, environmental and technological context.
  2. Illustrate the complexity of historical causality and interpret past events from a diverse and multicultural standpoint.
  3. Analyze the credibility of historical sources and arguments and revise interpretations as new evidence emerges.
  4. Conceive and execute historical research and construct persuasive, evidence-based arguments using primary and secondary sources that meet recognized standards of the historical discipline.

Careers for History Majors

A BA in History offers exceptional career versatility, allowing you to choose your own path. After refining your research expertise and persuasive communication skills, you can pursue roles in law, journalism, conservation, marketing, education, business or government institutions. You can also use your degree as a stepping stone for law school and other graduate-level programs.

As a history major, you cultivate the expertise required for positions like:

  • History teacher
  • Archivist
  • Museum curator
  • Investigative journalist
  • Business executive
  • Attorney

Careers in History

Where 91传媒厂鈥檚 Alumni Work

A bachelor鈥檚 degree in history from 91传媒厂, California鈥檚 oldest public institution, has a reputation for academic excellence. Spartans use their research skills and extensive knowledge to pursue influential careers across numerous industries.

91传媒厂 alumni have gone on to work with:

  • City of San Jos茅
  • Comcast
  • Museum of Los Gatos
  • National Park Service
  • Riverside County DA Office
  • Rossi, Hamerslough, Reischl & Chuck
  • San Jos茅 Unified School District
  • San Jos茅 Public Library
  • Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
  • U.S. Air Force

History Program Admissions

Ready to take the next step toward earning your BA in History? First, you need to gain admission to San Jos茅 State University. Then, meet with an Undergraduate History Advisor to declare your major or history minor.

Select your student type to review specific admission requirements and application instructions:

Undergraduate Admissions Deadlines

Fall Semester

  • The application window for first-year and transfer students runs from Aug. 1 to Dec. 1.
  • The application window for international first-year and transfer students runs from Aug. 1 to April 1.

Spring Semester

  • The application window for transfer students runs from July 1 to Aug. 31.
  • The application window for international first-year and transfer students runs from July 1 to Sept. 30.

Financial Aid

Invest in your future at 91传媒厂. Achieve your academic and professional goals with practical support and resources from our Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.

From finding scholarships and grants to submitting your , our team helps you understand how you can fund your bachelor鈥檚 in history with confidence.

The Department of History is also proud to offer exclusive scholarships for upper-division students. For questions regarding applications, please contact the department via email at history@sjsu.edu.

Gain Global Perspective With a History Degree

At San Jos茅 State University, a Bachelor of Arts in History helps you develop a nuanced understanding of the world through hands-on research and rigorous academic preparation. It鈥檚 time to immerse yourself in the study of our shared past and lead our collective future.

Apply now and take the next step toward becoming a Spartan, or schedule a pre-admission appointment with our team to get started.

Apply to 91传媒厂