Undergraduate Programs

Why Study History?

Majoring in History at UO gives students enormous freedom to explore their interests. History courses cover a huge range of regions, topics, and times—a rich variety of themes that is reflected in the classes taught. Requirements for the major are designed to let students pursue their individual interests without being forced to take a particular course. For any questions about the undergraduate major, please contact our Director of Undergraduate Studies at HistDUS@uoregon.edu.

Four students standing in the McKenzie courtyard in conversation

Major in History

History majors take a variety of courses, including at least 40 credits of subject-oriented courses along with two courses that focus on skills: HIST 290, Historian’s Craft, and the capstone HIST 407 seminar. The former hones the skills necessary to work with historical sources and writing, while the latter is usually the culmination of the undergraduate experience in the major. In these courses, as well as the other upper-division courses that comprise the majority of classes that History majors may select, students work closely with top faculty on complex historical subjects and eras. The History major at the University of Oregon provides both a breadth of knowledge as well as the chance to dive more deeply into areas of specific interest.

All history majors are required to become broadly familiar with histories in multiple geographical regions of the world, an invaluable experience in an increasingly interconnected world. History majors also acquire substantial historical knowledge of premodern history, which challenges the historical imagination and unsettles assumptions. Finally, all majors in History must meet a requirement of two years (or equivalent) of a language other than English, in order to better connect with the histories of cultures other than one’s own. The design of the History major is flexible and responsive to individual interests while providing a strong basis of shared knowledge and skills.

Major Requirements

Courses

Four-Year Degree Plan

Minor in History

A history minor can complement your coursework in your primary discipline while helping you develop skills in analytical thinking, research, problem solving, and communication.

Minor Requirements

History professor Vera Keller and students

Beyond the Classroom

History students have many opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom. Share your research with others through our annual History Showcase. Participate in a study abroad program to deepen your understanding of how history, culture, and geography are intertwined. Or connect with faculty and peers in Phi Alpha Theta (ΦΑΘ), an American honor society for undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history.

Beyond the Classroom

Join Phi Alpha Theta