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!
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 in China. Take a portion of your degree at Nanjing University, where you can immerse yourself in the history and culture of China.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to 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
- Archives assistant
- Marketing and publishing assistant
- Technical writer
- Web content publisher
- Tutoring and learning coordinator
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.
If you choose to study History through Honours Arts and Business, your first work term will be halfway through second year (January to April 2027).
| 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 | - |
or after second year (which can be May to August 2027), 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 | - |
Admissions
Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business and choose History as your major at the end of first year.
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: Low 80s (co-op and regular)
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
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