History Bachelor of Science Degree

Focus on acquiring content knowledge and mastering historical methodologies. Understanding content provides intricate expertise in eras, fields, and topics—all of which are not only important in their own right but also relevant to other disciplines that incorporate historical themes. A bachelor's in history enables you to conduct your own research–to collect, evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and interpret evidence and data.

RIT’s BS in history is focused on building the technological expertise necessary to study and craft history in the digital age. These skills separate RIT’s BS in history graduates from history graduates at other institutions. As a result, you will learn to:

• Collect, organize, and critically appraise a variety of evidence and data (primary and secondary sources).
• Construct effective interpretations, arguments, and presentations based on the analysis of evidence and data.
• Manage projects based on research, analysis, and the communication of findings and results.
• Become well-prepared for graduate-level study in history or a related field, such as business, education, government, journalism, law, and public service.

Bachelor of Science in History Specializations

You will choose one of four thematic specializations in which you’ll gain a deeper understanding in a particular area of history. Thematic specializations include:

• U.S. History
• Global History
• Deaf and Disability Studies
• History of the Environment, Science, and Technology

Capstone Project

The capstone project is the final core requirement of the history degree and serves as an opportunity to further develop and sharpen your practice and understanding of history. You’ll work with faculty to conceive and develop a senior thesis and present your research project in front of your peers and program faculty.

Careers in History 

A bachelor's degree in history will prepare you for a variety of history careers and for study at the graduate level. Nearly half of those who major in history pursue graduate school in a related discipline. The American Community Survey of the U.S. Census Bureau shows that a significant number of history majors work in fields other than history, including law, management, and primary/secondary education. In fact, 48 percent of history majors go to graduate school.

These statistics further demonstrate how a degree in history serves as strong preparation for graduate training in several different academic and professional fields.

RIT’s Pre-Law Program

Law schools welcome applications from students majoring in a wide range of academic programs. RIT’s pre-law program will help you navigate the admission process for law school, explore a range of legal careers, and guide you through course selection to ensure you build the skills and competencies required of competitive law school applicants. The program is open to students in all majors who are interested in pursuing a career in law.

Furthering Your Education in History

Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees: Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.

• History BS/Sustainable Systems MS: In this combined accelerated degree, you'll earn both a BS in history and an MS in sustainable systems MS. The curriculum builds on the lessons of history and prepares you to make informed decisions when applying sustainability science principles to address the world’s most challenging issues: pollution, food scarcity, public health crises, and more.
• +1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor’s degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.

3+3 Accelerated BS/JD Programs

RIT has partnered with Syracuse University’s College of Law and University at Buffalo School of Law to offer accelerated 3+3 BS/JD options for highly capable students. These programs provide a fast track to law school where you can earn a bachelor’s degree at RIT and a Juris Doctorate degree at Syracuse University or University at Buffalo in six years. Interested students may apply to the option directly, with successful applicants offered admission to RIT and conditional acceptance into either Syracuse University’s College of Law or University at Buffalo School of Law.

RIT’s history BS is one of the approved majors for the 3+3 option.

Learn more about Accelerated Law 3+3 Programs.

RIT’s Teaching Partnership Programs

Whether your goal is to go into early childhood or elementary education, become a secondary education teacher with a content area specialty at the middle or high school level, or work in the higher education or counseling fields, RIT’s partnership programs with local universities provide a guided pathway to a career in teaching. 

These 4+1 or 3+2 programs enable you to earn your bachelor’s degree at RIT and a master’s degree in education at one of our partner universities. As you progress, you’ll benefit from focused academic advising, career exploration opportunities, and resources for research, learning, and skill development.  

RIT's history degree is eligible for RIT’s Teaching Partnership Program. 

Learn more about RIT’s Teaching Partnership Programs.