Why Study History?
The major in history sharpens students' ability to think clearly and critically, to write effectively, and to read intelligently. It will inform students about the past, and also stimulates thoughtful reading, provokes clear thinking, enlivens critical capacities, and promotes good writing. Historical study provides an outstanding preparation for informed citizenship in an increasingly complex and interdependent world and a firm foundation for many career objectives. To these ends, the department encourages students to work closely with faculty to construct challenging, coherent, and integrated programs of study.
Departmental programs cover the human experience on five continents during the last four thousand years—a rich and complex subject matter revealed in a wealth of similarly subtle literature and teaching styles. Students may take broad survey courses or specialized courses focusing on the history of United States, Europe, Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. Subjects include politics, women, minorities, diplomacy, economics, intellectual life, and the law. Whatever geographical focus or disciplinary emphasis students choose, they learn to form clearly and to defend articulately interpretations grounded solidly in fact and theory. These are precisely the skills demanded by employers in government, law, business, and teaching.
For good reasons, history is a preferred major for careers involving the making, communication, and implementation of sound decisions in many professions. Historical study also provides an outstanding preparation for informed citizenship in an increasingly complex and interdependent world.
How To Apply
Undergraduate applications are all handled through the University of Virginia Office of Undergraduate Admissions. See the History Major and History Minor pages for information on how to declare a Major or Minor in History via DocuSign. For information on History transfer credits click here.