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Andrew Gurstelle, director of the Wake Forest Museum of Anthropology, talks about artifacts from the Tong Dynasty in history professor Dan Du's Chinese History class.

History Degree

Bachelor of Arts, Minor

Program Type:

Major, Minor

Career Path:

Humanities

Program Site:

Department of History

College or School:

Undergraduate College

Why study History?

History majors will study major social, economic, political and cultural events of the past. Students are encouraged to develop an understanding of the history and culture of ancient, medieval, as well as modern times, including those societies outside traditional American and European boundaries.

The History degree is offered as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a minor.


What classes would I take?

Our model and curriculum educate the whole person and often help students discover interests they had never previously discovered. Students generally take 100-200 level courses during their first year of college, while registering for higher level courses as upperclassmen.

Sample courses that you may take as an History student include:

  • Western Civilization to 1700
  • Medieval World Civilizations
  • Americas and the World
  • Global History of Exploration
  • Europe: From Renaissance to Revolution
  • Plants of Empire: Power and Pleasure
  • Science, Magic, and Alchemy in Europe, 1400-1700
  • Italian Renaissance
  • Zionism, Palestine, and Israel in Historical Perspective
  • The United States and the Global Cold War

* Courses listed above are offered during the current academic year. Course availability and offerings can change at any time. Refer to the Academic Bulletin to view all major requirements.


What kind of experience will I gain?

A sound component of a liberal arts education, history serves practical needs by providing solid background for pursuing graduate studies or a career in law, education, business, advertising, ministry, journalism, government service, or preservation. The history major meets an important need for the business world by providing the ability to analyze and write effectively, and by developing a sense of balanced judgment. For those who choose to teach, the major provides necessary subject-matter content.

Students in this program will develop the following skills:

  • Ability to analyze historical works
  • Research skills as demonstrated in papers and exams
  • Capacity to learn a foreign language
  • Talented at evaluating and interpreting events, information, and ideas as they relate to the past
  • Skilled in written and oral expression of ideas
  • Time management skills
  • Ability to retain diverse sets of information

Are there extracurricular activities?

Joining a club or organization is a great way to get involved and do more with your major. Our History students participate in the following programs:


What kind of job can I get?

Careers that often interest History majors, and fields our graduates work in, include:

Graduates have enjoyed careers in finance, military service, law, education and several other sectors.

Anthropology

Anthropology majors study humankind, from its beginnings millions of years ago to the present day.

Anthropology

Art History

The study of Art History and studio art provides a historical, cultural, and social context for the comprehension, evaluation, and creation of visual art.

Art History

Religious Studies

If you want to understand world history, conflict and reconciliation, there may be no better discipline than Religious Studies.

Religious Studies
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Students participating in Holi
Hearn Plaza with Reynolda Hall in the distance
The Demon Deacon shows up during New Student Orientation.

Let us know you’re interested in Wake Forest and we’ll do the rest.

Families visiting campus during spring Campus Days.
Wait Chapel in the fall