Bachelor of Arts in History - General History

Ball State University

The general history concentration for our history major is about much more than simply memorizing dates. As a history major, you can expect to play four exciting and challenging roles as you study the past. Studying the past exposes people to the diversity of human cultures, helps them comprehend change and continuity over time, enhances their ability to discern patterns of comparison and contrast amid the complexities and similarities of human experience, and sharpens their communication skills. Students with degrees in history can pursue graduate degrees or careers in fields inside and outside the humanities because the skills and habits of mind described above are valuable to every employer. Examples include: law, teaching, government, business, industry, libraries and archives, museums and art galleries, research, writing, and editing. Completing this program will earn you either a bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS) in history with a concentration in general history. You must complete two years of a foreign language to earn the BA. Through our curriculum, you’ll have the opportunity to explore history all over the world. You will also complete a Senior Research Project. Completing the foreign language requirement for a BA will also set you on a path for graduate research in history, where, outside of U.S. history, reading knowledge of at least two foreign languages is essential for a Ph.D.