Prospective Students

Majoring in History can take you where you want to go!

Why study the past? To understand ourselves in time. To explore the past—to uncover the social, political and cultural forces that have shaped the course of history—is to learn what it means to be human. Grappling with the complex origins of our contemporary world, the study of history gives us the tools to meet the challenges of the future.

Studying history prepares us to become engaged citizens and creative thinkers; it also paves the way to many diverse and rewarding careers. Whether reading sources, writing essays or reenacting famous events, history students develop advanced skills in research, analysis, debate and communication. Students master the traditional arts of thinking critically, assessing evidence and constructing arguments and acquire crucial cutting-edge skills in digital and public history. Often, history students venture beyond the classroom and the library to investigate archives, visit historic sites, and work in internships. History graduates work as teachers and lawyers, scholars and entrepreneurs, doctors and business executives, journalists and editors, writers and filmmakers, activists and public servants. Some even become rock stars.

The Department of History is part of the School of Arts and Sciences

As a History major in the School of Arts and Sciences, you’ll have full access to a liberal arts education that spans 47 programs for undergraduates. You will acquire both the specialized knowledge of the field you choose to study in depth, and broad knowledge of the world from the renowned scholar-teachers at Rutgers. You’ll graduate ready to meet contemporary challenges in your workplace, in your hometown, and in the global community.

Visit Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences Website