Bachelor of Arts in History

Acquire the knowledge to better understand who we are, how our world was shaped over time and how the past informs our present lives with the Bachelor of Arts in History at Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts. Through an innovative, 123-credit undergraduate curriculum administered by internationally recognized faculty, you’ll gain a deep, thorough understanding of history in the city in which our nation was founded. 

The History BA degree program is designed to allow students maximum flexibility to pursue their interests, whether in particular time periods or world regions. In addition to introductory classes and a wide range of upper-level coursework, students will build strong analytical, communication, research and writing skills.

Graduates are prepared to weigh evidence and evaluate interpretations of great events and significant personalities of the past. Simultaneously, students develop a broad general sense of the traditional liberal arts disciplines while gaining a greater depth of knowledge in history.

Studying History at Temple

Temple University is the ideal place to study history—not only because of Philadelphia’s rich, remarkable past, but also because of a program that incorporates the city’s storied history into its curriculum. 

You’ll have opportunities to study away and collaborate with faculty members who have expertise across a number of fields. Faculty members specialize in many geographical and thematic fields, including

  • colonial and contemporary America,
  • diplomatic history,
  • gender history,
  • the history of imperialism and post-colonial politics,
  • military history,
  • urban history, and more.

Dissent in America Teach-ins

The Dissent in America Teach-ins program evolved from the Dissent in America course, led by Ralph Young, professor of history in the College of Liberal Arts. Through the program, students gather to discuss the historical background to the current political situation in the world. Teach-ins are held weekly. 

Temple undergraduate students in a classroom.

Classes & Curriculum

Courses you are likely to take as part of the History Major curriculum include

  • American Icons,
  • The Historian's Craft,
  • History of Global Soccer,
  • World War II and
  • U.S. History to 1877.

Learn more about History Major courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has 22 undergraduate certificate programs for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your Temple education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $17,976.00 per year
Out-of-state: $32,376.00 per year

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