When you major in history, you will study the past to develop an understanding of the ways in which it continues to affect the present. You will gain a global perspective as well as the knowledge, skills and experience to understand our history while developing a critical understanding of how the past continues to shape the present and future.
Core classes in the major teach you the fundamentals of historical research and analysis and cover major themes and events in U.S., European and world history with special courses in Latin American, Asian and African history. Beyond that, dive deep while you learn from faculty who specialize in the United States, Latin America, South America, the Middle East, Europe, Russia, China and Africa—from ancient civilizations to modern history.
Academics + Experience = Opportunities
Complement academic preparation with experiential learning, creating more opportunities after graduation. Talk to an academic advisor and a career coach about making the most of your time at Nebraska.
Four-year success plan
What to do each year
Catalog
Major requirements and courses
Printable summary
With sample four-year schedule
Transferrable Career Skills
- Contextualize political, social, and historical events
- Communicate clearly using different forms of writing to and for a variety of different audiences
- Evaluate the interrelatedness of events and ideas
- Interpret, compare, and contrast ideas
- Conduct and present research to large and small groups
- Confidently navigate complex, ambiguous projects and environments
- Develop a strong awareness of self and others
- Offer empathetic, sensitive, and patient interactions with others
Experience
Experience is valuable and goes beyond the classroom. We strive to help you connect your academics with research, internships, education abroad, service learning and leadership experiences in history, such as:
- Interning with the Supreme Court of the United States
- Learn more about internships
- Researching decolonization and the modern world
- Learn more about undergraduate research
- Studying abroad in South Africa
- Learn more about education abroad
- Serving as the History Club president
- Learn more about getting involved in student organizations
- Volunteering with History Harvest
- Learn more about service learning
Opportunities
As a history major you will receive training in those skills—careful research, critical analysis and cogent writing—that make you an attractive candidate for a wide range of career opportunities. You will be equipped for pursuing a career in law, journalism, education, library and museum work; in local, state and national government; and in business, where a knowledge of domestic and foreign affairs is particularly useful.
Examples of Alumni Careers
- Assistant Scheduler, U.S. Senate
- Chief of Interpretation (Park Ranger), National Park Service
- Content Creator, Wikihow
- Editor, Washington Informer
- Editorial Assistant, University of Nebraska Press
- ESL Teacher, Education First
- Highway Archaeologist/Curator of Anthropology, Nebraska State Historical Society
- Human Resources Director, Mid-Plains Center For Behavioral Healthcare
- Immigration Services Officer, U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services
- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Park Guide, National Park Service
- Record Clerk, Lancaster County Courthouse
Examples of Graduate Schools Attended by Alumni
- Ph.D., Diplomatic History, Ohio State University
- Master's Degree, Theological Studies, Harvard University
- Masker's Degree, Viking and Medieval Morse Studies, University of Iceland
- Master's Degree, Community and Regional Planning, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Ph.D., Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles
- Bachelor's Degree, Journalism , University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Master's Degree, Political Science, University of Iowa
- Master's Degree, Divinity, Vanderbilt University
- Master's Degree, Museum Studies, North Carolina State University
- Juris Doctorate, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
“My absolute favorite course I have taken was my Honors seminar, HIST 189H or 20th Century Chinese History. The class was a small one and largely centered around discussion. The subject of the course itself was fascinating and the class was energetic and upbeat. This class ended up contributing to my desire to minor in history.”
Lauren Rothgeb
History at Nebraska
History is a humanities major in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Our liberal arts degrees provide a broad education across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities, preparing students for a variety of careers.
Let curiosity move you.
Contact Us
Academic and Career Advising Center
107 Oldfather Hall
402-472-4190
casadvising@unl.edu