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History (B.A.)

Understand the Past, Shape the Future

Offered by the Department of History at the University of Dayton, the Bachelor of Arts in History equips you with critical reading, writing and analytical skills through hands-on research and internship opportunities. In this program, you'll gain historical perspective and become an informed citizen prepared to work for the common good in diverse fields, including law, education, public policy, marketing and graduate study. And through the 3+3 J.D. Program, you can earn your Bachelor of Arts in History and Juris Doctor in a total of six years.

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Fast Facts

100% of majors

engage in hands-on learning

Customize your degree

with a double major or one or more minors
About the History (B.A.) Program

Why study history at UD?

Core Program

All first-year history majors are enrolled in the Core Program. To deepen the learning experience, Core students live together while participating in an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum.

Experiential Learning

Students can practice and see the value of their research, writing and critical thinking skills, which are developed through hands-on experience in coursework, seminars and internships.

Variety of Focus Areas

Students may concentrate their studies in areas such as business, international affairs, pre-law or historical administration, preservation and archival management. Course work in new fields such as business, legal and science history prepare you for careers in our fast-paced world.

Take the Next Step

Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about history at UD.

Catholic, Marianist Education
UD Is Home
Holistic Advising
Experiential Learning

How do I apply to the history program?

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

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What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

Transparent Tuition Plan
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate Financial Aid
Degree Requirements and Curriculum

History (B.A.) Degree Requirements

Students majoring in history are offered a flexible curriculum that allows them to have a double major or one or more minors. Students are also strongly encouraged to develop interdisciplinary areas of concentration to meet their interests and vocational and professional goals. History majors should consult the department's Director of Curriculum and Advising for further details.

Semester 1
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • ASI 101 – Humanistic Inquiry in the World
    6
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • Language 101
    3
  • CAP Social Science
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 2
  • HST 150 – Introduction to the Historian's Craft
    3
  • ASI 102 – Humanistic Inquiry in the World
    6
  • Language 141
    3
  • CAP Natural Science Course with Lab
    4
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 3
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • HST Pre-Modern Elective (200-400 level)
    3
  • Language 201 or Contextual
    3
  • B.A. Social Science
    3
  • B.A. Natural Science or Math
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 4
  • HST non-US Elective (200-400 level)
    3
  • B.A. Arts
    3
  • B.A. Interdisciplinary Programs
    3
  • General Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 5
  • HST non-US Elective (200-400 level)
    3
  • HST Elective (300-400 level)/CAP Advanced Historical Studies
    3
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies/Faith Traditions
    3
  • B.A. Humanities (other than HST)
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 6
  • HST Electives (200-400 level)
    6
  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies/Practical Ethical Action
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • General Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 7
  • HST 485 – Seminar in History 1
    3
  • HST Elective (300-400 level)
    3
  • CAP Interdisciplinary Investigations
    3
  • CAP Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • General Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 8
  • HST 498 – History Research Seminar 2
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • General Electives
    9
  • Total Credit Hours 15
* Depending on placement test.
** Satisfies CAP major capstone.

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2026-27 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations and your personal goals and interests. Please contact the recruitment and admission team (prospective students) or your holistic advisor (current students) with questions.

Semester 1
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • ASI 101 – Humanistic Inquiry in the World
    6
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • Language 101
    3
  • CAP Social Science
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 2
  • HST 150 – Introduction to the Historian's Craft
    3
  • ASI 102 – Humanistic Inquiry in the World
    6
  • Language 141
    3
  • CAP Natural Science Course with Lab
    4
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 3
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • HST Pre-Modern Elective (200-400 level)
    3
  • Language 201 or Contextual
    3
  • B.A. Social Science
    3
  • B.A. Natural Science or Math
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 4
  • HST non-US Elective (200-400 level)
    3
  • B.A. Arts
    3
  • B.A. Interdisciplinary Programs
    3
  • General Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 5
  • HST non-US Elective (200-400 level)
    3
  • HST Elective (300-400 level)/CAP Advanced Historical Studies
    3
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies/Faith Traditions
    3
  • B.A. Humanities (other than HST)
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 6
  • HST Electives (200-400 level)
    6
  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies/Practical Ethical Action
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • General Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 7
  • HST 485 – Seminar in History 1
    3
  • HST Elective (300-400 level)
    3
  • CAP Interdisciplinary Investigations
    3
  • CAP Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • General Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 8
  • HST 498 – History Research Seminar 2
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • General Electives
    9
  • Total Credit Hours 15
* Depending on placement test.
** Satisfies CAP major capstone.

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Learning Resources
Honors Program

3+3 J.D. Accelerated Program for History

For undergraduate students pursuing any Bachelor of Arts degree, the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Law offers a 3+3 J.D. program, allowing students to complete their Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctor in a total of 6 years.

Please consult with your holistic advisor for eligibility and timeline as you are scheduling your third-semester coursework.

Additional 3+3 J.D. Program Information
Transfer and Exam Credits
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Transfer and Exam Credits

Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Facts

$61,279 average

starting salary for recent UD graduates across all majors

97% placement

after graduation across all majors

Beyond the Classroom: The UD History Experience

University Archives

On-campus internships are available to students in the University of Dayton Archives, which chronicles our development into a top Catholic, Marianist institution of higher learning.

Explore the Archives

Learn by Doing

Both curricular and extra-curricular activities can enhance the learning experience beyond the classroom. Learn about some of the activities in which our students participate.

Explore Opportunities and Activities

Dean's Summer Fellowship

The Dean’s Summer Fellowship program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences to conduct research during the summer under the guidance of a full-time faculty mentor.

Learn More About the Dean's Summer Fellowship

Stander Symposium

An annual campus-wide forum to showcase academic excellence and recognize student learning through faculty-mentored undergraduate research, scholarship and artistic accomplishment.

Learn More About the Stander Symposium
Walk. Run. Fly. Soar.

Success is a Journey

At the University of Dayton, you'll have a supportive community dedicated to fueling your success. Through guaranteed, real-world experience, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to be workforce ready.

Student Support
Community
Experiential Learning
Outcomes
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Ready to Study History?

Let’s explore the possibilities. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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