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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.

Stand Out in courses like

  • 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

Exploring the human past in all its variety and complexity

Internships and Careers

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.

Salary and Placement Information

$39,866* History graduate average starting salary
*National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2019 Survey.

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

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.

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.

Go Far in your career

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

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

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in history are expected to:

  • Evaluate core assumptions about history and the history discipline
  • Apply history skills and knowledge to career fields
  • Produce scholarship integrating the ethical and professional values of the discipline
  • Analyze historical events and processes
  • Compose historical narratives using varied modes of expression

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012-2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The history program does not lead to professional licensure.

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The history program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.



* Job placement and salary information was compiled by the Office of Academic Assessment through the Graduation Survey from AY2015-2018. The data are gathered around the time of Commencement and a follow-up survey six months post Commencement. For the salary question, data for programs with fewer than fifteen responses are not included. Salaries for those programs are from the National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2019 Survey. For questions regarding the data, contact assessment@bgsu.edu.

Updated: 04/01/2022 03:48PM