History Major

History

Why History?

Every field — science, religion, politics, technology, sports, environmental change, decolonization, medicine, and health care — has a history. Political decisions, laws, and social movements all come from historical events. Learning history helps us understand how we got to where we are, preserving valuable lessons and avoiding past mistakes. To create positive change, we need to understand these past influences.

 

History is the foundation of all subjects and connects you to the world. You can explore regions like Canada, China, Scotland, Africa, India, Europe, and the Middle East. This program lets you link historical knowledge with other subjects like Sociology, Criminal Justice, Gender Studies, and Black Canadian Studies, preparing you for careers in education, law, business, entertainment, public service, journalism, and more. 

 

Students in the History HIST program may also be interested in studying Anthropology, Art History, Classical Studies, European Studies, French Studies, Political Science, or other majors.

To see all courses offered in this degree, visit our Academic Calendar

 Create Change and Preservation 

Our graduates are flexible, intelligent, and polished communicators with broad training, adaptable skills, and clear judgment, ready for various career paths.

 Experience History Up Close

Take advantage of real-world experiences throughout your History studies, from the Art Gallery of Guelph and the University’s Archives and Special Collections to opportunities for studying abroad.

 Become an Effective Communicator, Researcher, and Analyst

You will learn to extract and synthesize key information and arguments from various historical sources. You'll use these details to create well-written, persuasive, and concise narratives that can be applied to current-day needs. 


Gain Valuable Co-op Experience

History students can explore a wide range of topics from around the globe, including crime and justice, gender and sexuality, popular culture, and rural history. These skills are valuable in many fields, including government, NGOs, non-profits, community organizations, and the private sector. Co-op placements provide valuable experience to enhance your resume and career. Learn more about our History Co-op Program.

To see all courses offered in the co-op program, visit our Academic Calendar.


Careers

History graduates are flexible, intelligent, polished communicators, researchers and problem solvers who follow their passions in business, law, education, civil service, journalism, and the arts.

Here are a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:

  • Archivist/historian
  • Copywriter
  • Educational consultant
  • Foreign service officer
  • Policy analyst
  • Library technician
  • Program Officer
  • Policy and research assistant
Many people have asked me during my undergrad 'what do you do with a History degree?' I always reply 'essentially anything.' I am currently working as an Archaeologist at an engineering company carrying out Cultural Resource Management (CRM) surveys. This job has allowed me to travel across Ontario’s rural landscape and see some of the most beautiful places that have been lost to history. The sites that I work on can range in time from first contact to the colonial era or, in some cases prehistoric, archaic, and paleolithic. Some of which I will never forget!

Joe Cull
History

Admission Requirements

Explore admission requirements for Canadian, international, transfer, and mature students. Start your journey today!

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Scholarships & Bursaries

We offer a wide range of financial aid programs to assist with funding your education at the University of Guelph.

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