BA in History Degree

Earn a Bachelor of Arts in History Degree at GCU

The scholarly discipline of history examines the past to make better sense of the present. You can learn from the lessons of the past by enrolling in the Bachelor of Arts in History degree program at Grand Canyon University. Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this degree explores a dynamic history curriculum that uses a thematic approach, rather than a chronological one.

Study the insights of renowned historians as you examine economic, political and social topics from multiple perspectives. Explore historical issues in the U.S. and civilizations around the world as you sharpen your critical reasoning and analytical skills. Enjoy personal and pre-professional development as you acquire foundational knowledge and a framework of practical skills that are applicable across multiple career paths.

Explore How Current Perspectives Are Influenced by History

The shared past of a society, as well as of humanity as a whole, directly influences the present and future. Gain greater insights into current perspectives by studying the complexity and diversity of the world in different time periods. Improve your written and oral communication skills as you progress through the coursework and interact with your professors and peers. Rely on your faith as you examine the world through the lens of the Christian perspective. Some of the courses in the bachelor’s in history program include:

• Renaissance and Reformation
• Women in History
• Ancient Mediterranean History
• U.S. Since 1945
• Southwest Borderlands
• Survey of Asian Empires

Students gain a broad overview of the major themes in U.S. and world history. They examine the major cultural, political, economic and social themes that have influenced civilizations throughout time. Early on in the program, students are introduced to best practices in historical research, analysis, history writing and interpretation within a historical context. Students examine the works of significant historians, consider the subdisciplines of history and engage with the foundational, methodological and theoretical tools that historians use. In addition, the Bachelor of Arts in History imparts these core competencies:

• The effects of the world wars, the Cold War and totalitarianism on 20th century Europe
• A comparative study of social conflicts, taking a close look at the patterns of individual and collective actions
• The historical and cultural developments of the ancient world
• The political, social, cultural and economic experiences of women across time and geographical regions

Prepare to Serve in a Variety of Fields with a BA in History

The undergraduate history bachelor of arts degree is a research-, reading- and writing-intensive program. Graduates can apply these skills, along with their sharp analytical abilities, to open doors to a wide range of career paths. Some students may choose to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in history, enabling them to pursue positions in academia. Other possible career paths may include the following:

• Museum/archives curator
• Public relations specialist
• Marketing copywriter
• Journalist
• Public servant
• Human and social services specialist

Some history majors may prefer to explore careers in publishing, such as by writing for history-related publications, textbooks and popular series. History graduates may be employed in the media industry as writers, editors, research specialists, fact-checkers or presenters on history documentaries. It’s also common for graduates with a bachelor of arts in history degree to prepare to enter law school. The knowledge and practical skills learned during a history degree program can serve graduates well as they pursue opportunities as attorneys, paralegals or judges.