History

Learn to think critically and deeply about the historical processes that have shaped the world we live in.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in History in the College of Letters & Science invites students to explore the historical processes that have shaped societies, institutions, and cultures worldwide. By examining the past, students develop critical thinking, analytical, and research skills that help them understand the present and contribute to a more informed and equitable future.

Our internationally renowned faculty bring expertise in diverse subfields, including cultural, political, economic, intellectual, urban, and world history, as well as the histories of science, religion, and sexuality. Whether pursuing a major or minor in History, students join a vibrant community of historians committed to critical inquiry and global understanding.

Highlights

History allows me to uncover and better understand the ways in which our society and world came to be—that various customs or beliefs…have come to be put in place in response to a very human or societal purpose.
Morgan Koo, class of 2026

Undergraduate Program

Curriculum 

History at UC Berkeley is a highly flexible major that prizes and prioritizes original research. The major consists of 12 courses—four lower division classes which emphasize breadth through a variety of historical regions and themes; and eight upper division classes focusing on depth in students’ areas of interest. In office hours, lectures, and particularly the seminars, students work closely with our faculty to conceptualize, research, and write an undergraduate thesis: an article-length, primary-source based, original research project.

Learn more at history.berkeley.edu/undergraduate

Study Options

In addition to the major, the Department of History offers:

Declaring the Major

First-year students who are accepted to UC Berkeley are admitted to the College of Letters & Science as an undeclared student. You may declare the History major once you complete three lower division courses from three different regions, along with an elective or topic course. Courses must be completed for a letter grade with a 2.0 GPA or better.

If you entered UC Berkeley as a transfer student and selected History as your intended major on your application, you will be automatically declared in the major. If you did not select History as your intended major, fill out the major declaration form after completing a minimum of three lower division history classes.

What Can I Do With My Major?

Students with a degree in History are equipped with critical thinking, analytical writing, and research skills that are highly valued by employers and graduate programs. History graduates pursue careers in government, politics, law, nonprofits, museums, archives, education, business, and media, among other fields. Alumni also enter graduate and professional programs in education, history, law, public policy and administration, and other disciplines.

UC Berkeley offers a number of career resources for students studying History. The Social Sciences Career Readiness Internship Program helps prepare students for internships and the job market. The College of Letters & Science offers advising for undergraduates pursuing medical or health professions programs, law school, or masters and PhD programs. Additionally, Berkeley Career Engagement provides career and graduate school advising, job and internship listings, and events such as career and graduate school fairs.

Employment

Alumni find employment in a variety of fields and industries after graduation. Examples include:

  • Admissions Specialist
  • Archivist
  • Communications Manager
  • Educator
  • Law Clerk
  • Librarian
  • Marketing Director
  • Military Officer
  • Multilingual Interpreter
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Paralegal
  • Patent Agent
  • Public Office/Government
  • Research Associate
  • Software Engineer
  • Writer and Editor

Graduate Study

Alumni pursue graduate education to gain more depth of knowledge in their field as well as prepare for jobs that require advanced degrees. Examples include:

  • Creative Writing
  • Education
  • History
  • International Relations
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Library Science
  • Political Science
  • Public Administration
  • Public Policy

Spotlight

Nicole, class of 2022

Nicole Williams (BA, History) was part of many different communities at UC Berkeley—a re-entry student, NavCal and Nav2Cal femtor, underground scholar, first-generation, low-income, historically underrepresented cultures, EOP, and DSP. As a student, she researched the stigma attached to formerly incarcerated students and the socioeconomic effect it has on their future employment.

Nicole's goal is to give back to the communities that helped get her to UC Berkeley and find connections that will nurture her continued success. As a future educator, she intends to impact the way history is taught to our children.

Four-Year Student Timeline

First Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Second Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Third Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Fourth Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Summer

Transfer Student Timeline

First Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Second Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

  • Explore research opportunities on the OURS and History websites; apply to URAP to work on a faculty research project.

Pursue Your Career Goals

Third Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Fourth Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Summer

Learn More

Undergraduate Advising

Have questions about History or choosing a major? 

The Department of History offers undergraduate advising for students interested in a major or minor in History. The Undergraduate Advisor provides guidance on declaring the major, tracking academic progress, navigating administrative concerns, and exploring graduate programs or enrichment opportunities. Faculty advisors are also available for mentorship, assisting with thesis topics and academic pursuits. Advising sessions are offered both in person and virtually, with specific office hours available each semester. For advising contacts and hours, visit history.berkeley.edu or email history-undergradadvisor@berkeley.edu.

The College of Letters & Science helps students with non-major-specific academic topics, including major exploration, general program planning, and finding campus resources. L&S College Advisors are available for in-person and virtual meetings. Visit lsadvising.berkeley.edu or email asklns@berkeley.edu.

Related Programs

Looking for programs similar to History? UC Berkeley also offers the following major, minor, or  certificate programs