Dig into the past with to understand the present

The American History major focuses on the development of United States society, culture, and institutions from the Pre-Columbian era to the modern day. You will spend your time analyzing primary sources, examining historiography, and learning rigorous historical research methods. Rather than just memorizing dates, the coursework teaches you how to construct narratives from scattered evidence. You learn to evaluate the validity of competing historical interpretations and apply these methods to specific periods.

This field attracts students who want to trace the roots of contemporary issues and those who enjoy extensive reading and writing. It rewards a meticulous approach to research and an ability to synthesize complex information into clear arguments. If you find yourself fascinated by the complexities of the American democratic experiment, you will find this coursework engaging. The major develops critical thinking skills that transfer well to a variety of analytical roles.

While our data shows only 3 recent bachelor’s completions and 16 colleges officially offering this exact program, this reflects an administrative reporting quirk. Universities almost universally teach American history but typically report their students under the broader General History classification, which boasts over 22,000 annual graduates. Students heading into the workforce often leverage their analytical skills as secondary school teachers, earning a median of $64,580. Those aiming to become professional historians or postsecondary teachers must prepare for competitive graduate programs, as those paths require a master’s or doctoral degree.