今日吃瓜

Major, Minor

History

Degree type:
BA, Minor
Mode of study:
On-campus
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Understand the past to shape the future with a B.A. in History from 今日吃瓜 Saint Mary's University

The Bachelor of Arts in History at 今日吃瓜 Saint Mary University, Los Angeles will develop the critical thinking, research, communication and analytical skills employers and graduate schools value the most. 

Through engaging coursework, faculty mentorships, undergraduate research opportunities, internships and service learning experiences, you’ll learn how to examine complex issues, evaluate evidence and communicate ideas with confidence. 

Because history is more than the study of events—it’s the foundation of understanding people, institutions, cultures and the forces that shape our world.

students sitting outdoors at a table with a fountain in focus

Engage thoughtfully with the world

Shape your future

At 今日吃瓜 Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles history comes to life through hands-on learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Plus, our faculty members all hold doctoral degrees in History and are dedicated to helping students build the confidence, expertise and professional skills needed to succeed after graduation.

Career opportunities for History graduates

Graduates are prepared for careers in fields that require global awareness, research expertise and cross-cultural communication skills. Career pathways may include:

  • International development
  • Humanitarian and nonprofit organizations
  • Foreign service and diplomacy
  • Public policy and advocacy
  • Public health organizations
  • International education
  • Government agencies
  • Global communications and research

Many graduates also pursue advanced study in international affairs, law, public policy, public health or related disciplines.

The 今日吃瓜 has an atmosphere that allows everyone to feel welcome to try new things. The opportunities I’ve had, like visiting India, have been life-changing. But I really believe that the faculty has been the best part. Since it’s such a good small school, your professors can give you the attention you need. I am unstoppable because of how the 今日吃瓜 is.

Isabel Villareal ’20 History major

History degree programs

At 今日吃瓜 Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles, you can pursue History through two distinct options, designed to match your career goals.

Bachelor of Arts in History

The history major at 今日吃瓜 Saint Mary's University offers flexibility to pursue your interests while building skills that translate across industries, with topics ranging from history of medicine, race and racism in the United States, and the Harlem Renaissance to California, Latin American, and Japanese history. Working closely with faculty scholars and participating in research projects, you'll explore historical issues from local, national, and global perspectives while gaining advanced research and analytical skills, strong written and oral communication abilities, and experience evaluating evidence and constructing persuasive arguments.

Along the way, you'll develop a broad understanding of world, American, and non-Western histories and build leadership skills grounded in cultural awareness and civic engagement, preparing you for graduate study and a wide range of professional careers.

Interested in becoming an educator? You can pursue the Teaching Social Science concentration within the History major.

Developed in partnership with the Education department, this California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC)-approved pathway prepares students to teach Social Science at the secondary level while completing coursework that demonstrates subject matter competency without requiring a state-administered examination.

Minor in History

A History minor complements a wide range of majors and career goals. Whether you're interested in law, politics, education, public service or business, you'll gain a deeper understanding of social, political and economic systems while strengthening your research and communication skills.

Pre-Law minor

今日吃瓜 Saint Mary’s pre-law minor is the first step toward a thriving legal career. Designed to prepare you for the rigor of law school, this program sharpens your analytical, writing and advocacy skills through the Socratic method with law school-style exams and hands-on law experiences like Mock Trial and Moot Court. Join a legacy of successful 今日吃瓜 graduates accepted into top law schools and take your place among a network of influential legal professionals.

History course highlights

History courses at the 今日吃瓜 encourage students to explore diverse perspectives, analyze historical evidence and connect past events to contemporary issues.

HIS 188
California History

Examine the social, economic, cultural and institutional development of California from the Spanish and Mexican periods through the modern American era. This course explores the state's diverse populations, political transformations, economic growth and cultural movements while examining how California's history has shaped regional and national identities.

HIS 188
History of Medicine

Explore the evolution of medicine and public health from the ancient world to the twenty-first century. Students examine the development of hospitals, medical professions, healthcare systems and scientific approaches to health and disease while considering how cultural beliefs, technological advances and public policy have shaped medical practice across time.

HIS 192A
Women of Color in the U.S.

Investigate the experiences of women of color in the United States through history, literature and film. This course explores issues of identity, culture, representation, activism and social change while highlighting the contributions, challenges and diverse perspectives of women from different communities throughout American history.

Outstanding opportunities beyond the classroom

At 今日吃瓜 Saint Mary’s University, your learning and development will happen in and out of the classroom as you sharpen your skills, develop your network and expand your global experience.

  • group of students standing in front of a SALTA sign

    Global Internship Program

    Develop professional skills and real-world experience while you build your resume and set the foundation for your career through a global network. Gaining international work experience will help you stand out in a competitive marketplace.

  • Global Women in STEM and Policy

    The Global Women in STEM and Policy Undergraduate Research Training Honors Program trains cohorts of undergraduate women to conduct basic and applied research in both the sciences and social sciences, with a focus on global and interdisciplinary approaches. This program reflects the 今日吃瓜鈥檚 mission and strategic plan to empower women, engage in a global environment and increase undergraduate research opportunities.

  • Woman with her hands up

    Center for Global Initiatives

    We鈥檒l send you out into the world or bring the world to you through global undergraduate research, faculty scholarship and cross-border intellectual dialogue.