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History

Purdue University in West Lafayette

The study of history offers a critical understanding of the past that helps to illuminate the present and inform the future. Historians seek to understand the dynamics of change over time and the complexity of the human experience. This includes the study of politics, government and society, science, technology, environment, and medicine, war and diplomacy, gender, race, and class, the global movement of people, money, and ideas, and other topics. Everything has a history!

At Purdue, History students have the opportunity to learn from 33 award-winning faculty members in over 150 courses. Their educational path may include study abroad, honors courses, internships, and archival research. Students majoring in history prepare for careers in law, public policy, government, education, business, and many other fields. They also pursue graduate degrees in areas such as history, library science, and museum studies. History majors read, interpret, and analyze a wide variety of texts and sources. They evaluate information in order to formulate persuasive, evidence-based arguments that communicate to a range of audiences. They may learn to preserve manuscripts and artifacts, and work with database and publishing software.

Degree in 3

Motivated, driven students can complete this major in three years. Degree in 3 allows students to enter the work force or graduate school a year earlier while also providing a cost-effective way to complete an undergraduate degree. Degree in 3 offers a great combination of cost-savings and the opportunity to accelerate your future and achieve your goals.

BA-MA Program

 The history BA-MA program allows students to graduate with a master’s degree just one year after completing a bachelor’s degree. Students apply in their junior year, and start master’s coursework in their senior year, with some courses counting for both degrees.

Plan of Study

History, BA

History Honors, BA

History Webpage

Transfer to History

Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue's overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.

Minimum GPA: 2.5


Contact Information

Undergraduate Student Recruitment Office
(765) 494-6291
newstudent@purdue.edu

College of Liberal Arts
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Careers in History

  •   Teacher
  •   Museum & Archive Curator
  •   Librarian
  •   Attorney
  •   Local and State Government
  •   Federal Government
  •   Non-Profit Management
  •   Archival Management
  •   Writer
  •   Politics
  •   Technical Recruiter

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