History (BA or BS)

What is A History (BA or BS) Degree?

Looking at and knowing what has happened in the past will help you understand what’s going on today and what might happen tomorrow.  Everybody knows this, don’t they?  Well, people who have majored in History do!  They learn about people, countries, and the world as a community—how they were in the past, how they are today, and how they may be in the future.  History majors can do well in the job market because more and more global companies—and even law schools, medical colleges, and business schools—are looking for the solid background that a history major has in understanding the world, knowing how to do research to solve problems, and knowing how to think through complex situations.

To get either the BA or BS degree in History, you’ll study the history of western civilization, American history, World History, and all of the required general education courses.  So, BA and BS requirements are pretty much the same up to this point.  But, here’s where the two degrees seem to vary:  BA history majors will take advanced courses in history, often focusing on specific European or Asia countries or some specific aspect of western civilization.  BS students will be required, after completing the introductory and mid-level history courses, to add courses in the sciences—biological, physical, computer, or mathematical.  The BS degree emphasizes the more analytical aspects of the field, while the BA is more based in the social sciences.  You’ll find different approaches depending on which college you attend.

The video below discusses a “typical” program, so it should help regardless of which school you are considering.