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History

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

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What is History?

As a History major, you’ll learn the skills to understand the past, connect it to the present, and confront some of the greatest challenges of our time. Through your classes, you’ll master critical thinking, research, and writing skills. Your coursework will also include an original independent, historical research project. You’ll consider complex problems, analyze data, and offer new interpretations. This major also offers a Secondary Education option for the teaching of Social Studies in high schools.

Career Options

  • Business
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Government
  • Health care
  • Law
  • Media
  • Museum work
  • Nonprofit work
  • Publishing
  • Technology

Post-Graduation Success1

84% employed or continuing education

55% employed after graduation

28% attending graduate school

1% volunteering

$41,546 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Unity High School, The News-Gazette View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Guide

Graduation & Retention2

3.9 years to degree

93% first-year retention rate

75% four-year graduation rate

79% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $12,712
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,222
  • Total: $35,862

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $31,832
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses:$18,562
  • Total: $55,322

International

  • Tuition: $34,280
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,562
  • Total: $57,770

Related Majors

1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the My Next Move website.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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