History degree

History is like knowing the backstory of the entire planet

Studying history is about way more than memorizing dates and facts. You’ll learn to analyze historical events and think critically to understand different perspectives. Where do historical accounts come from? Who is being left out of historical accounts entirely – and why?

Studying history exposes you to different traditions, cultures, and ways of thinking.

Get ready to have animated discussions with a small, tight-knit group of fellow historical buffs.

Small classes will give you lots of opportunity to speak up and explore new ideas together. You’ll take a wide range of courses that let you focus on the events, themes, or historical time periods you’re most curious about.

Then put your studies into practice with co-op and build a professional network before even leaving school. A co-op option gives you relevant (and paid!) work experience before you graduate. Or join the Undergraduate History Society.

Attend trivia nights (come on, all that memorizing in high school has to come in handy sometime!), symposiums, and bonfires.

Make some history of your own!

What courses will you take in History?

First-year courses

As an Arts student, you’ll choose your major at the end of first year. You’re encouraged to explore a second major in first year to discover potential new interests.

You can choose to study History through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.

Honours Arts

September to December

  • One 100-level history course
  • ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
  • Prospective major #2
  • 2 electives

January to April

  • One 100-level history course
  • Prospective major #2
  • 3 electives

This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

Honours Arts and Business

September to December

  • ARBUS 101 – Introduction to Business in North America
  • ECON 101 – Introduction to Microeconomics
  • One 100-level history course
  • Prospective major #2
  • Elective

January to April

  • ARBUS 102 – Accounting Information for Managers
  • ARBUS 202 – Professional and Business Ethics
  • ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
  • One 100-level history course
  • Prospective major #2

This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

After first year

About 40% of the classes you’ll take will be History courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

Sample upper-year courses

HIST 208 – The Samurai
HIST 239 – History of Modern China, 1911 to the Present
HIST 282 – History of Modern South Asia 1750-2000
HIST 369 – The Politics of Decolonization

Customize your degree

Faculty:
Faculty of Arts

Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in History

Available as a co-op program?
Yes

Available as a regular program?
Yes

Available as a minor?
Yes

Award-winning teachers. Our professors have racked up a number of honours for their teaching and research, including six student-nominated Distinguished Teaching Awards.

Study abroad. Take a portion of your degree in countries such as Australia, China, Singapore, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK.

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

In the world's leading co-op program, you'll explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!

Sample co-op job titles

  • Heritage site assistant
  • Archives assistant
  • Marketing and publishing assistant
  • Web content publisher
  • Tutoring and learning coordinator

Stefan Venceljovski (he/him) is doing a double major in Political Science and History along with a minor in international studies and a specialization in international relations. Learn about Stefan's co-op experiences.

Co-op work-study sequence

Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.

Option one: If you choose to study History through Honours Arts and Business, your first work term will be in the winter term of second year.

Year September to December (Fall) January to April (Winter) May to August (Spring)
First Study Study Off
Second Study Co-op Study
Third Co-op Study Co-op
Fourth Study Co-op Co-op
Fifth Study Study -


Option two: Your first work term will be in the spring term after second year, if you choose Honours Arts.

Year September to December (Fall) January to April (Winter) May to August (Spring)
First Study Study Off
Second Study Study Co-op
Third Study Co-op Study
Fourth Co-op Study Co-op
Fifth Co-op Study -


Learn more about co-op →

What can you do with a degree in History?

Waterloo History graduates commonly pursue careers in writing, teaching, and research, often working in museums, schools, and libraries.

The careers listed below are examples of what you might be able to pursue. Through the courses you take, specializations you choose, extracurriculars, and any work experience you gain, you'll graduate with a degree that's uniquely you and be ready to pursue a career that's right for you!

Historian or research assistant

You would research historical events, people, or themes by working with documents, archives, and other sources. Many historians work in museums, universities, government, or research organizations, often with further study.

History teacher

You’d teach students how the past shapes the world they live in today. History degrees build strong storytelling and critical thinking skills that are essential in the classroom.

Museum curator or collections assistant

In this role, you’d help preserve, organize, and interpret historical objects. You might assist with exhibits, educational programs, or behind‑the‑scenes collection management.

Archivist or records manager

You would organize and protect historical documents, photographs, and digital files. This career suits students who enjoy careful research and working with original sources.

Public policy or government analyst

You’d research historical context to help inform policy decisions. Understanding how past policies succeeded or failed helps governments plan more effectively.

Journalist or nonfiction writer

You would research topics, evaluate sources, and write clearly for the public. A history background helps you check facts carefully and explain complex issues with context.

Law school and legal careers (with further study)

Many history graduates go on to law school. You’d use your skills in reading dense texts, building arguments, and writing persuasively.

Cultural heritage or heritage site coordinator

You would help manage and protect historically significant places. This role blends history, public education, and community engagement.

Nonprofit program coordinator

You’d help plan and run programs focused on education, culture, or community development. Historical awareness helps you understand social change and long‑term impact.

Library or information services assistant

You’d help manage collections and assist users with research. This role values strong organizational skills and comfort working with historical materials.

Tourism or educational programming specialist

You would design tours, educational materials, or experiences based on historical knowledge. This career turns your interest in the past into engaging public storytelling.

Graduate studies in history or related fields

If you enjoy deep research, you could continue into graduate school. This path can lead to teaching, advanced research, or specialized professional roles.

If you're interested in research, writing, and understanding how the past connects to the present, a Bachelor of Arts in History offers flexible skills that prepare you for many meaningful careers.

Learn about the future of careers in arts, humanities, social sciences, languages, and creative arts.

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Admission requirements

Ontario students

Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

  • Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%)

Admission average: High 70s (co-op and regular)

Not studying in Ontario?

Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.

How to apply

Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business and choose History as your major at the end of first year.

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