Bachelor’s degree in History
With a Bachelor of Arts in History from Fort Hays State University – on-campus and online – graduates of this program will stand out as marketable employees prepared to meet the future challenges in this century.
Historians explore people and societies to see how and why they developed in the ways they did, and fearlessly drop their assumptions to interpret the causes and effects surrounding the cultures they study. Since they demonstrate extraordinary critical thinking skills and passionate inquiry, history majors are extremely attractive to future employers and find careers in a variety of fields.
What can you do with a degree in history? Almost anything – the creative thinking, research and communication skills you gain with a history degree prepare you for a wide variety of career options.
FHSU history graduates have gone on to teach, write, practice medicine and law, and have entered a variety of for-profit and non-profit positions. Possible careers include:
- historian
- editor/journalist
- professor
- researcher
- museum archivist/curator
- librarian
- lawyer
| Course No. | Course Name | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements - 34 hours | ||
| Students must satisfy general education requirements in the eight designated areas for a total of 34 credit hours. These are recommended courses: | ||
| UNIV 101 | Freshman Seminar* | 1 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I* | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II* | 3 |
| COMM 100 | Fundamentals of Oral Communication* | 3 |
| ECON 202 | Principles of Macroeconomics* | 3 |
| POLSC 101 | American Government* | 3 |
| ENGL 125 | World Literature* | 3 |
| HIST 111 | Modern World Civilization* | 3 |
| PHIL 100 | Critical Thinking* | 3 |
| Modern Language Requirements - 10 hours | ||
| Students must earn 10 credit hours in one Modern Language. | ||
| Additional Requirements - 6 hours | ||
| SOC 140 | Understanding Society: Introductory Sociology* | 3 |
| GSCI 110 | World Geography* | 3 |
| History Introductory Courses - 15 hours | ||
| Proficiency must be demonstrated by either completing each of the courses or achieving a score of at least 85% on each of the Department’s History Proficiency Examinations. | ||
| HIST 100 | Orientation to History* | 3 |
| HIST 110 | World Civilization to 1500* | 3 |
| HIST 111 | Modern World Civilization* | 3 |
| HIST 130 | United States History to 1877* | 3 |
| HIST 131 | United States History since 1877* | 3 |
| History 600-level Pre-requisite Requirement - 3 hours | ||
| Sophomore standing preferred. Pre-requisite for all 600 level History courses. | ||
| HIST 379 | Historical Methods | 3 |
| U.S. Electives (upper division) - 12 hours | ||
| European Electives (upper division) - 9 hours | ||
| World Electives (upper division) - 9 hours | ||
| Senior-level Written Communication & Critical Thinking - 3 hours | ||
| Can be substituted for one U.S., European or World History upper-division elective. | ||
| HIST 675 | Seminar in History | 3 |
| Graduation Requirement - 0 hours | ||
| HIST 099 | Senior Assessment | 0 |
*General Education course.
FHSU offers many related programs to a B.A. in History, such as:
- Minor in History
- Bachelor's degree in History (Secondary Education)
- Master's degree in History
- Master's degree in Public History
Tuition: The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,961.90* (on-campus) or $3,859.95* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the undergraduate resident/regional tuition rate ($197.46/ credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online undergraduate tuition rate ($257.33/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our History programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Information about the Department of History and Philosophy
The Department of History and Philosophy at FHSU provides a rich educational experience that equips students with critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. Our History Programs offer in-depth courses that allow students to explore diverse historical contexts, preparing them for careers in education, research, public history, and beyond. Meanwhile, our Philosophy Programs challenge students to engage with fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and values, fostering advanced problem-solving abilities and a reflective approach to life.
Together, these programs offer a holistic education that combines the study of the past with the pursuit of timeless philosophical inquiries. Graduates from these programs are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to society and are equipped with the intellectual tools to excel in a variety of careers.
- Minor
- Bachelors
- Masters
- On-Campus
- Online
