UBalt student in the B.A. in History program

Why This Degree is For You

A history major hones your research, analytical, and communication skills—perfect for a wide range of careers. Law, teaching, museums, libraries and entrepreneurship—our graduates have done it all. 

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Law, Justice and Public Affairs

Law, Justice and Public Affairs

Program Type

Bachelor of Arts
B.A.

Locations/Format

UBalt Campus

Cost

Undergraduate
Tuition & Fees

Requirements

All Degree Requirements

121 credits to earn a degree.

B.A. in History

Employers in law, business, government, and non-profits crave the skills history majors bring information literacy, research, writing and analysis. These skills are in high demand because they can't be easily automated or outsourced.

Some of our majors use their degrees as springboards to law school or graduate programs in education or library science. Others jump straight into the job market. Along the way, you'll learn to think critically, engage as a citizen, and understand local, national and world affairs.

It's a common question for history majors: "What are you going to do with a history degree?" A better question is, "What can't you do?" A history degree from The University of Baltimore opens doors to diverse careers. UBalt alumni share how their history degrees have paved the way for their career success.

D. Watkins, B.A. ’09, MFA '14

D. Watkins, B.A. ’09, MFA '14

Bestselling author of The Beast Side and We Speak For Ourselves
“My history professors have been some of my biggest influences as an educator and constantly challenged me to consider and understand perspectives outside of my own, a skill that has taken me farther than I could have ever imagined, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.”
Takia Ross, B.A. ’11

Takia Ross, B.A. ’11

Founder and owner of Accessmatized
"Learning to research, analyze data, and write a well-crafted paper was a key to my success in winning seven business- plan competitions that awarded me with over $35,000 in cash and prizes. With some of those funds, I launched Pretty Mobile Baltimore, DMV's First Mobile Make-Up Studio to provide on-location make-up artistry services when a traditional venue is not available."
DJ Nash, B.A. '13

DJ Nash, B.A. '13

Library director, Southwestern Baltimore Charter School

"My work at a Baltimore public school is based on the interpretation and reinterpretation of information for young learners. The skills that I honed in the History program continue to mean the most to my professional interests, especially in interviews and on grant applications: I learned to write effectively, conduct research, develop professional relationships, and put my creativity to work. I think being able to turn an idea into a workable project has been the skill that has brought me the most opportunity professionally."

My reading, writing and analytical thinking skills have flourished as a result of my studies. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to get students involved in history by organizing guest speaker events and local field trips to historic sites as president of UBalt's History Club. My advice for anyone pursuing a degree in history is to seek connections with people with similar historical interests and keep in touch with them. Building a network will help you visualize the numerous possibilities that a history degree can unlock.
Lexzander Nebel Ernst B.A. in History student

 

WATCH: Professor Joshua Clark Davis shares what sets UBalt's History program apart

Video Decoration
Professor Josh Davis
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Thinking about majoring in history? Then consider The University of Baltimore's Bachelor of Arts in History program. Watch as program director Joshua Davis talks about what the program offers students, what you can do with a history degree and more.

 

Your Pathway to Law

History is an officially designated prelaw major at The University of Baltimore, and it's the third most common undergraduate major among U.S. law students. Plus, UBalt boasts one of only two law schools in Maryland. Our program features eight law-focused history courses, including HIST 325 Prisons and Police in U.S. History, HIST 340 American Legal History, and HIST 364 Civil Rights in U.S. History. We also offer a Law School Early Entry Option, letting you start law school in your final undergraduate year at a reduced tuition rate.

Our graduates have a stellar track record of attending law school and entering the legal profession. Hear from our successful alumni and see where a history degree can take you!

Kaya Abukassis, B.A. '18, J.D., '21

associate attorney, Stevens Palmer, LLC
“As a History major at UBalt, I felt I was prepared to take on the work and leadership roles in law school. I learned how to properly conduct research and honed my writing skills, which are crucial in law school. I felt a connection to UBalt Law, already being a UBalt student, which further strengthened my confidence that UBalt Law was the right decision for me.”

Alisha De La Cruz, B.A. ’12, J.D. ’15

civil rights attorney with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
“The History program gave me a fresh start and led me to my career. I always enjoyed history, but the professors and courses at UBalt helped me realize my dream. I studied the greatest and most impactful cases in Supreme Court history. I studied primary source documents. I learned how to properly discern information presented to me. While many consider history to be written by the victor, I know that there are truths. The professors at UBalt are passionate and they allow you to delve as deep as you want, and further than you might expect, in your pursuit of knowledge.”

Clifton McClain, B.A. ’11, J.D., ’22

founding Attorney, McClain Law Group, LLC
“One of the most important skills needed in law school is the ability to identify the proper authority. Without this ability, a lawyer will undoubtedly rely on a court ruling that does not support his/her argument or is superseded by a different ruling. As an undergraduate pursuing my history degree, identifying relevant primary sources was essential when researching for a paper or even just preparing for discussions in class. The analysis and skills I cultivated as an undergraduate in identifying primary sources has translated to the analysis and skills necessary for me to identify the proper authority in law school.”

What Our Graduates Do

An undergraduate history degree can help prepare you for a fulfilling career as you learn to locate resources, make clear arguments, and produce analyses supported by evidence.

Some history majors go on to law school, while others pursue graduate studies in education, history, policy, or library science. Majors also acquire skills in communication, critical thinking and global analysis that open the doors to careers in government, business, media, and museums.

Common Roles

  • Archivist
  • Museum Curator
  • Writer/Editor
  • Researcher
  • Paralegal
  • Government Roles
  • Cultural Resource Management
Jason Butler, a UBalt student, poses outside the Academic Center on campus.

Finding new life in history courses

I’ve lived a life of making sure that other people have the things that they want and they need. This is something that I’m doing for me.
Jason Butler B.A. in History student
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Program Contacts

Featured faculty image

Joshua Clark Davis

Program Director
Faculty Profile

Nicole Hudgins

Professor

Boram Yi

Professor

Deidre Ferron

Academic Adviser

Kelly Venable

Academic Adviser

 

Learn More
About UBalt