BGSU History students discuss critical approaches to analyzing the past through rigorous research, writing and discussion.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Masters

History

BGSU History students learn to think critically about the past to better prepare us all for the future. Inside and outside the classroom, students acquire knowledge, skills, and habits of mind central to the advancement of individuals and society.  

Mastery of knowledge, research skills, critical thinking, experiential learning, communication and public engagement are skills you will gain with the Bowling Green State University Department of History.  

We provide a premier Major or Minor undergraduate or graduate education that focuses on substantive areas of research in American, world and public history.

Quality classroom experiences

History courses are taught by some of the best scholars in their fields, from early modern Europe and 20th century U.S. history to modern China/Japan and African American history.

Our classes engage and challenge students to think for themselves and to conduct their own historical research, from their freshman course on local history to a capstone course that trains them to design and execute their own projects.

Our students develop skills useful not only in the practice of history but in the varied careers that they successfully pursue.

100% of BGSU history graduates report they’re employed, in graduate school or starting a business within six months of graduation.

Career - what can you do with a history degree?

Career paths

  • Lawyer/Magistrate/Judicial worker
  • Museum director
  • Teacher (K-12 and post-secondary)
  • Government agent
  • Elected official
  • Legislative aide
  • Researcher

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

View Average Salaries

Internships

The History department offers a robust and individually tailored internship program that places students in accredited museums, archives and historical organizations, as well as in government and nonprofit agencies. A faculty coordinator assists in finding placements and matching students' interests and career goals.

History is one of the top five majors sending students to law school; among those five majors, history students have the highest admission scores.

Curriculum

History is one of the top five majors sending students to law school; among those five majors, history students have the highest admission scores.

Students of history develop practical skills, such as the ability to think critically, argue logically, conduct research, analyze data and communicate clearly, all in preparation for a variety of careers and pursuits in a contemporary world.

As of Fall 2020, the Bowling Green State University History major has a completely new curriculum. Students may choose from several pre-professional tracks, including a new concentration in public history.

While the core of historical study continues to involve primary sources, critical interpretation, and connecting the past to the present, the new major looks to the future. With thematic courses and skill-based learning outcomes, the BGSU History major will emerge at graduation prepared to excel in the 21st century marketplace.

Students in History class

Sample courses

  • War and Diplomacy in Europe
  • Early America
  • Women in Modern Europe
  • The Historian and The Public
  • Ancient Greece
  • Modern Latin America
  • Africa and World Politics
  • Asian Civilizations

Education Abroad

The Department of History encourages students to consider education abroad experiences as a part of their academic development. International Programs and Partnerships offers hundreds of options in more than 50 countries, with programs that last a few weeks, semester, or academic year.

Read more about BGSU Study Abroad programs.

Updated: 09/12/2024 02:52PM