Program Overview
A Bachelor of Arts in History at Youngstown State University prepares students to understand the past and apply that knowledge to real-world challenges across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. History is not just about memorizing dates — it’s about analyzing sources, interpreting complex contexts, making evidence-based arguments, and communicating with clarity. These are skills valued across careers in education, research, law, business, public service, media, cultural preservation, and more.
The History program at YSU emphasizes rigorous research, critical thinking, and applied learning. Students study diverse cultures, societies, and historical movements while learning how to evaluate primary sources and historical evidence. Coursework includes American and world history, historiography, and applied history topics such as museum studies and historic preservation. A required capstone experience allows students to synthesize their skills and demonstrate mastery.
History majors develop a deep understanding of historical processes and the contexts that shape societies and institutions. The curriculum balances content knowledge with methodological training in research and writing. Students build competencies in conducting research using primary and secondary sources, analyzing complex texts and historical evidence, crafting well-supported written and oral arguments, connecting historical knowledge to contemporary social and cultural questions, and applying interdisciplinary reasoning to real-world issues. YSU’s University-Wide Learning Outcomes further ensure that graduates develop critical thinking, communication, ethical reasoning, and integrative analytical skills that employers value across industries.
The Bachelor of Arts in History includes coursework that ranges from introductory surveys to advanced seminars and a senior capstone. Students explore topics including world and American history, the constitutional history of the United States, environmental and global history, museum curation and interpretation, and historic preservation. General education coursework complements the major by strengthening communication, analytical reasoning, and quantitative literacy.
A history degree does not lead to a single job title. Instead, it provides a flexible, transferable skill set applicable across many professions. Employers value history graduates for their ability to research complex information, evaluate evidence, synthesize ideas, and communicate effectively. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a bachelor’s degree in history work across occupations, including education, management, business, legal services, government, and cultural institutions. Professional historian roles typically require graduate education, but a history degree provides strong preparation for work in education, public service, research, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector fields that rely on analytical and communication skills.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that historians earned a median annual wage of approximately $63,940, with most positions requiring a graduate degree. Related fields commonly entered by history graduates include education and library occupations, management roles, and business and communication-focused positions. These occupations value skills developed through historical study, including research, writing, critical analysis, and contextual reasoning.
YSU’s History program emphasizes applied learning through research projects, writing-intensive coursework, and a senior capstone experience. Courses such as Museum Curation and Interpretation allow students to apply historical knowledge to public-facing contexts, including archives, exhibits, and community history initiatives. Academic advising helps students align their coursework with career goals, whether they are preparing for graduate study, teaching, law, public service, or careers in business and nonprofit organizations.
If you are interested in understanding how the past informs the present and want a degree that builds research, writing, and analytical skills used across many careers, the Bachelor of Arts in History at Youngstown State University offers a flexible and valuable foundation. History graduates succeed in a wide range of professions where critical thinking, communication, and evidence-based reasoning matter.
Upcoming Events:
Each year, thousands of dollars in scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in the Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences and Education (BCLASSE). Scholarships come from a variety of sources, vary in amount, and are available to both incoming and current BLCASSE students. Below, you will find further information regarding the opportunities that may be available to you through the college.
