The History Department offers several options to its majors. In addition to the regular History major, students may choose in-depth concentrations in American, European, or World History. Those seeking careers as secondary-level History and social studies teachers pursue the History Education degree.
Majors acquire a broad introduction to the study of history, while also developing skills in analytical thinking, critical reading, expository writing, and effective communication. Through the study of History, our majors acquire knowledge of and perspective on the past, become knowledgeable citizens, and prepare for a broad array of careers.
Many History majors pursue double majors that enable them to develop competencies in two fields, such as History and Political Science, History and Art History, History and Philosophy, or History and Literature. A double major in History and Political Science appeals to pre-law students, as does a major in History and a minor in Legal Studies. A History faculty member serves as a pre-law advisor. Other students combine a History major with a major or minor in one of the University’s Area Studies Programs—African, Continental European, East Asian, Islamic, Latin American Studies—or interdisciplinary programs: Women’s Studies, Black American Studies, Jewish Studies, Material Culture Studies, Irish Studies, Religious Studies. History majors interested in careers in journalism may take the English Department’s Journalism minor.
The History Department participates fully in the University Honors College, including offering its majors the possibility of earning an Honors Degree or an Honors Degree with Distinction. All History majors are eligible for numerous History honors and awards conferred on Honors Day each spring.
We encourage our majors to take advantage of learning opportunities outside the classroom, attend Department-sponsored lectures and events, and participate in Phi Alpha Theta, the international Honor Society in History. We have a very active History Club open to all students who love History. We also invite our majors to extend their learning through studying abroad, conducting undergraduate research with a faculty member, or completing an internship with an historical site, library, archive, or agency.
University of Delaware Undergraduate Catalog
