History

"I love learning where we come from."

"We need to understand the past if we want to create lasting social change."

"History offers the most versatility in terms of learning about science, art, religion, politics and culture."

Our students say it best—history is the key to understanding what happened, why it happened, and the impact it has on our lives today. And it’s one of the most flexible majors, since it lets you explore so many different interests. Ready for a bright future? Keep scrolling.

What will I learn?

Politics in Latin America. Science in Europe. Buddhism in East Asia. Gender in Africa, LGBTQ history in the U.S. and international relations in the Atlantic world. At UB, your classes will cover different a variety of time periods and regions. Whether you're debating in a small seminar class or creating podcasts with friends, you’ll learn to think analytically, consider context and make use of history for engaging in today's society. As one student said, "the history classes I’ve taken at UB have stayed with me long after finishing them."

What can I do outside of class?

Get hands-on experience, build your network and prepare for your career when you get involved outside of class. 

  • Internships. UB history students have interned at the Smithsonian Institution, Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village and other leading organizations. 
  • Study abroad. Whether you’re interested in the history of a specific region or you just want to experience living in a different culture, we encourage you to study abroad.
  • Groups, activities and events. Join a student group, attend on-campus lectures from internationally recognized speakers, or go on a group field trip to one of Buffalo's many historic neighborhoods.
Internships
Study Abroad
Student Clubs
Events

What can I do with a history degree?

A history degree is designed to give you skills that employers look for, including the ability to find information, think critically, discover connections and communicate clearly. "Majoring in history does not limit one to becoming a history teacher,” explained one grad, who works as a banking analyst. The process you use to write a history paper, he noted, can apply to many of the activities you'll do throughout your career. "While the information may not be the same, the skills and approach are."

At UB, you'll find our graduates working in many different types of careers, including:

  • Academia.
  • Archival and library management.
  • Banking.
  • Civil service.
  • Communications.
  • Education (including teaching in schools and educating people at historic sites and museums).
  • Financial analysis.
  • Foreign service.
  • Government and cultural organizations.
  • Health care.
  • Investment services.
  • Law.
  • Marketing and advertising.
  • Military.
  • Museums.
  • Newspapers/media.
  • Non-profits.
  • Public history.
  • Public relations.
  • Publishing.
  • Social work.
  • University teaching and administration.
Want to be a teacher?

Be prepared to teach grades 5-12 by getting your bachelor's and master's in just five years through our UB Teach program.

  • Save time and money.
  • No need to apply to graduate school.
  • Be eligible for New York State professional teaching certification.

Visit the department website (at the top of this page) for more details, or see the UB Teach website for a list of all available majors.

Who will I learn from?

"It was always obvious to me that my professors loved their work, and I was inspired by their passion."

As our students will tell you, at UB you'll find teachers who truly care about history—and teaching. Many of them have won awards for their teaching (including the student-nominated Milton Plesur Excellence in Teaching Award). They’re here to listen to what you have to say, inspire you in class and help guide you as you decide what to do when you graduate. 

Our faculty are also leading experts in their fields, and have been honored and recognized by the National Endowment for the Humanities, Smithsonian Institution, American Historical Association, Institute of Advanced Study in Princeton, Humboldt Foundation, National Museum of American History and other national and international organizations.

Admissions

Financial Aid

Student Guide