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Why earn your bachelor’s degree in history at UMSL?

As an UMSL history major, you’ll explore how history shapes our world through engaging coursework, mentorship and research. In addition to competitive tuition, our history degree offers:

Focused areas of study: Choose from concentrations in Archaeology and the Ancient World; Community, Diversity and Social Justice; Politics and the State; or Global Perspectives. An emphasis in Public History and Museums in the Digital Age is also available, along with a wide selection of relevant minors.
A supportive environment: Personalized faculty guidance, state-of-the-art facilities (Digital Humanities Lab, premier libraries and archives), a strong alumni network and St. Louis’ many museums enrich your UMSL experience.
Experiential learning: St. Louis’ thriving cultural scene provides internship opportunities in libraries, museums, archives, parks and archaeological sites. Study-abroad options are also available.

What can you do with a degree in history?

UMSL’s Bachelor of Arts in History equips graduates with the knowledge, skills and experiences for a broad array of career paths. Our bachelor’s degree in history also provides a solid foundation for pursuing advanced study in areas such as history, museum studies, library and archives information systems, business and law.

While an interest in local history has created job opportunities in museum, archival and preservation work for history majors, professionals across various sectors such as business, education, law, banking, libraries and numerous other fields recognize the relevance of a history degree to their careers.

UMSL’s History Department partners with institutions across St. Louis region to provide history majors with valuable research and internship experiences. This includes opportunities at the Missouri History Museum, Bellefontaine Cemetery, St. Louis Science Center, the State Historical Society of Missouri, the Griot Museum, First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site (St. Charles), the National Park Service and the National Blues Museum.

Our history bachelor’s degree graduates often find jobs at these institutions and other museums and historical agencies, such as the Missouri Historical Society, Washington University Libraries Special Collections, the Mercantile Library of St. Louis and the Saint Louis Art Museum. However, our alumni are also successful professionals in business, sales, management, education and many other fields.

Employment of museum curators is projected to grow up to 10% by 2032, with a median annual salary of $62,600 in Missouri, according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

62,600

Median annual salary

10

Employment growth by 2032

Career Opportunities

Author/Writer
Communications
Consulting
Editing
Education/Teaching/Training
Journalism
Museum Curator/Conservator
Public Policy
Research Analyst

Degree Information

Plan of study

Review Full Degree Requirements Review Sample Four-Year Plan

All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.

Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.

Student Organizations / Ways to Get Involved

Student organizations

Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. Here are several opportunities you may be interested in as a history major:

Phi Alpha Theta - National History Honor Society
Student Government Association
Students of the University of Missouri

Honors College

The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, civility and academic excellence.

Undergraduate research

We encourage and support students as they engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.

College of Arts and Sciences

UMSL Arts and Sciences transforms lives.

Why choose UMSL Arts and Sciences?

The College of Arts and Sciences offers exciting degree programs that cover the academic spectrum from fine arts, humanities and the social sciences, to the natural and applied sciences.

An undergraduate degree from the College of Arts and Sciences provides the intellectual base for a host of career paths, advanced study and research in many academic disciplines. Our graduates are known for their professionalism on the job and their strong sense of civic responsibility.

Active researchers, scholars and practitioners

Our accomplished faculty provide students with a well-rounded, hands-on and practical education to best prepare them for success in the modern workforce.

Our faculty are actively engaged in research and scholarship that advances knowledge, theory and applied methods in their fields and provides an unparalleled academic experience. Truly inspired by students’ resilience, creativity, passion for learning and desire to make a difference in their communities, our faculty are driven to educate, prepare and cultivate the innovative spirit UMSL students are so well known for.

An inspired and accomplished Triton network

The College of Arts and Sciences has prepared tens of thousands of graduates to become influential leaders and find career success in the region, nationally and internationally.

The collective expertise of our alumni encompasses an impressive and comprehensive list of disciplines. They are notable journalists, writers, public relations professionals and leaders in private and public sectors. They are scientists, musicians, entrepreneurs, CEOs and much more. Committed to their organizations and communities, our graduates share a constant motivation to inspire others, drive positive change and transform the lives of others through their everyday work.

Find your passion, chart your path

Our wide range of academic programs are structured to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to set yourself apart and be career ready on day one.

The College of Arts and Sciences offers 31 baccalaureate, 16 master and seven doctoral degrees as well as dozens of minor and certificate programs designed to get you where you want to go. With dedicated academic advisors ready to create a personalized plan to help you succeed in your academic journey, you'll have a clear path from start to finish. Find the program that’s right for you and apply today.

MORE Flexibility. MORE Possibilities.

When it comes to your education, we know one size doesn’t fit all. Offering exceptional academics at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, our degree programs are built to fit any schedule. Whether you want to earn your degree on campus, fully online, during the evening or weekends with our 4-, 8-, 12- and 16-week course offerings – UMSL will meet you when and where you want.

UMSL Rankings

#1

in Missouri for affordability
(Business Insider)

#1

Online College in Missouri
(Forbes 2024)

60+

non-degree certificate programs

#1

transfer destination in St.Louis

#5

nationally for adult education
(Great Value Colleges)

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Discover more at UMSL! Join a vibrant student community and gain access to world-class researchers, top-ranked degree programs and sought-after internship opportunities.

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Why earn your bachelor’s degree in history at UMSL?

What can you do with a degree in history?

62,600