History

History majors must possess the ability to learn how to analyze primary sources and historical facts, to participate in informed discussion of conflicting historical perspectives and to appreciate the diversity of human experience over space and time. In addition, history students must be committed to developing skills in critical thinking, research methods and the integration of that knowledge in writing and oral communication.

We emphasize the importance of these skills because History, like other departments in the Arts & Sciences, focuses on helping students develop valuable transferable skills that will make you highly adaptable in a rapidly changing global economy, and make you an astute participant in politics and society. In addition, you will have the wisdom that comes with learning how we got to this moment in history so that you are better prepared to interpret the extraordinary complexity of the present and future. Some of these transferable skills include the ability to:

• Organize and manage diverse and complex information
• Express strong and persuasive evidence-based arguments in writing and speech
• Build unparalleled research skills through deep and broad inquiry
• Explore the complexity of the human experience across time and space
• Use the lessons of the past to understand the present

In addition to being well-prepared for graduate, law or medical school, graduates of the history program pursue careers as:

• Archivists
• Academic advisors
• Librarians
• Educators
• Diplomats
• Filmmakers
• Museologists

History Minor

The history minor requires 18 credit hours in history as follows:

• 6 credit hours in survey courses, which may be taken in any combination of 1000 and/or 2000-level HIST classes.
• 3 credit hours of HIST elective above 1007 (1007-5199)
• 3 credit hours of HIST 3000: Introduction to Historical Thinking
• 6 credit hours of upper division courses, which may be taken in any 3001-5199 HIST classes.

Historic Preservation Certificate
Students interested in public history and historic preservation can also pursue a certificate in history preservation, an interdisciplinary program between the department and UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP).

Programs that share courses and other similarities with history include classics, women's, gender, and sexuality studies, Asian studies and political science. Students might consider combining history with one of these programs or another as a second major or minor.

Delcare the minor or certificate using the online program update form. 

Students in UC's College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

University of Cincinnati 3 + 3 Law School Admissions

This major welcomes eligible students who would like to earn a bachelor’s degree and a UC law degree in just six years, saving a year of tuition and time over the traditional path to becoming a lawyer. Students will receive careful advising to complete their major and A&S core degree requirements in 3 years. More information is available on the Law 3+3 webpage. 

To graduate from College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

• Earn at least 120 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 120.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
• Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 30 credits after matriculating into the university.
• Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
• Complete the College Core Requirements.
• Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in the most recent institution.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 at most recent institution

University transfer scholarships are available to those who meet specific requirements and ANY admitted A&S transfer student might qualify for an A&S transfer scholarship. Deadlines and eligibility criteria are online via the previous links.

For any inquiries please contact us at artsci@ucmail.uc.edu.

For more information, visit the Transition Advising Center (current UC students) or the Transfer Center.

Transfer students should apply using our transfer student online application.

Transfer Articulation Agreements & Pathways 

UC has developed clear pathways (articulation agreements) between select associate degrees at partner institutions and compatible bachelor’s degrees at UC. Each pathway includes a Transfer Degree Map that offers a semester-by-semester course comparison to assist with your transfer planning. 

The following institutions have Transfer Degree Maps for this major: 

• Cincinnati State Technical & Community College  
• Southern State Community College 

Admission to A&S is generally available for University of Cincinnati students enrolled in other colleges if they were admissible directly from high school, have a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in their most recent UC college.