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While history classes in high school seemed to focus on detailing specific historical events, in college this degree leans more into critical thinking and analyses, and applying past knowledge towards complex current events today. If you enjoy analyzing events through a variety of lenses, delving into different perspectives, and uncovering the nuances surrounding historical societies and cultures, you might want to keep reading!
History is a rather adaptable and multifaceted degree, allowing students to tailor their studies to best fit their areas of interest. This versatile degree is extremely valuable for those who prefer flexibility when it comes to post-graduate career opportunities. Realistically, this major is best suited for individuals that truly are passionate about the subject. A history degree is also rich with transferable skills, especially due to the emphasis placed on data organization, research, and analytical thinking.
After completing the 120 credit hours required for this degree, students will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in History. Foundational courses outside of degree-specific history classes will focus on writing, critical analysis and reasoning, and communications. It is also suggested that students choose electives that tie in with their degree concentration- recommended courses include those offered by departments like anthropology, geography, GIS, political science, philosophy, and sociology.
While an internship is not a required part of obtaining this degree, opportunities are plentiful through YSU, with past students working for organizations including Ohio History Connection, McKinley Birthplace Memorial, Mahoning Valley Historical Society, Seventh District Court of Appeals, Hands On Network, Home Savings and Loan Foundation, and Youngstown State University. Youngstown State students also have the unique experience of having access to numerous resources right on campus, such as the McDonough Museum of Art, as well as the Butler Institute of American Art, which is the first museum dedicated solely to American art and is free to the public.
Being one of the more broad and widely applicable degrees, graduates may be qualified for any number of career paths, including (but not limited to), policy analysts, editors, museum curators or directors, politicians, journalists, teachers, and so on. For example, some of our YSU graduates work at Sutliff Museum, McKinley Birthplace Memorial, Mahoning Valley Historical Society, Ohio History Connection, Ohio State, Oklahoma State and West Virginia State Historic Preservation offices, North Canton Heritage Society, and Woodrow Wilson House. The salary range for history majors also varies widely depending on which career path you choose, but as of 2019 the average annual wage for workers with a history degree was $60,000, which was higher than the national average.
If you think a degree in History might be the right path for you, check out our Admissions page to start your journey with Youngstown State!
Nearly 11,000 students
Over $8 Million in Scholarships Given Annually
21 Average Class Size
5 University Residence Halls with plenty of nearby apartments
14:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio
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Tuition and fees may vary by major, college, area of study or based on your location. The university reserves the right to assess fees for special services and programs applicable to students. First-time International undergraduate students’ tuition rate is established based on first enrollment and remains unchanged for four consecutive years. Graduate students should plan for a yearly tuition increase of approximately 5%.
For a complete list of additional fees and detailed tuition information please visit the University Bursar website here.
Cost of the most popular room and meal plan combination; Your cost will depend on the plans you select. Costs in the box cover the most popular room and meal plan combination (on-campus); If you choose to live off-campus, the estimated cost of room and meals will be around $12,000 based on 12 months.
Based on average books & supply costs
Health insurance is required for international students.
Applicants must have graduated from high school or have successfully completed the General Education Development (GED) test to be considered for admission. Freshman applicants applying for admission to Youngstown State University must submit a high school transcript or GED transcript. Submission of American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) scores is optional. Please note: some majors require test scores to be admitted into the program.
Applicants must have a cumulative weighted high school grade point average of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher, a core unweighted grade point average* of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher and have an ACT composite score of 17 or higher or a SAT composite score of 920 or higher (evidence-based writing and reading and math) to be admitted unconditionally. (*Core gpa is calculated based on grades earned in the following courses – English, mathematics, science, social science and foreign language, if applicable, from 9th through 12th grade).
Fall 2024
application deadline is
August 1, 2024
