History, B.A.
The Bachelor of Arts in History at Governors State University offers a broad, interdisciplinary exploration of human experiences across time and place. Through courses in U.S. history, world civilizations, historical methods, and thematic topics such as race, gender, migration, and empire, students learn to interpret primary sources, construct evidence-based arguments, and understand the complex forces that have shaped societies.
This program prepares you with analytical research skills, strong writing capabilities, and a nuanced understanding of cultural and political change — all of which are highly valued in careers such as education, public history, law, archives, museums, public policy, and business. Small classes and faculty mentorship foster close engagement with your studies, and opportunities for research projects, internships, and community partnerships help you apply historical inquiry to real-world challenges. Whether you plan to enter the workforce after graduation or pursue graduate study, this program strengthens your ability to think critically, communicate persuasively, and interpret complex historical contexts.
Career Outcomes
Being an academic historian or teaching history are not the only jobs possible for History majors. Because of the research, analytical, and writing skills necessary to earn a History B.A., employers of history majors include not only schools, but research centers, libraries, museums, and various agencies and companies needing researchers or historical consultants, such as film-makers. Some history majors work as speechwriters or researchers for legislators and other elected officials.
Given the variety of employment opportunities available for History majors, compensation varies. Despite a misconception that historians are underpaid, in the U.S., the average yearly salary is more than $83,000. Some positions come with health insurance, flexible hours, and other benefits.
So who employs historians? U.S. federal agencies are at the top of the list:
Department of the Interior
Department of the Navy
Department of Homeland Security
Department of Defense
Department of State
Opportunities in the private sector include research centers, nonprofits, and other organizations interested in preserving or disseminating history.
- Historian - In the U.S., the average yearly salary is more than $83,000
- Curator - In the U.S., curators make an average of $53,000 a year.
Archivist - On average, they make $51,000 a year.
What You'll Study
Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.
How to Apply
You'll need certain documents and meet certain requirements in order to apply. Read about them on our admissions pages.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Governors State University offers a range of financial aid options to help undergraduate students make their degree more affordable, including federal, state, institutional, and private funding. To get started, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using GovState's school code (009145). The FAFSA determines eligibility for grants, loans, work-study programs, and many scholarship opportunities.
Grants, including the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), are awarded based on financial need and do not require repayment. Federal Direct Loans provide borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest after graduation.
Get Involved
Students are encourage to join GovState organizations that explore special topics, host speakers, and connect students with peers interested in contributing knowledge to the community.Together, you can plan public history events, and archival tours to expand your engagement with the discipline.
Contribute to student publications like the Phoenix, ArtSci, and Reconstructed; or history research projects to build writing and analytical skills. Complete internships with museums, archives, cultural institutions, libraries, or historical societies to gain hands-on experience.
Highlighted Faculty
Contact Us
- Division of Arts and Letters
- College of Arts and Sciences, E2578
- Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484
- 708.534.4101
- casinfo@govst.edu