Bachelor of Arts in History New England campus experience
Program Overview Why get a history degree on campus?
When you immerse yourself in history – learning about the past and how it can influence the future – you'll better understand how societies function, helping you become a capable leader and creative problem solver others can rely on. As a history major at Southern New Hampshire University, you'll gain a broad foundation in United States history and Western civilization, mostly through primary sources. Then, with the help of your advisor, you'll go on to design your own history degree incorporating coursework from throughout the university. Choose a concentration in American, European or Military history, or organize your Bachelor of Arts in History around a specific theme, such as religious, African-American, political, social, intellectual or economic topics, to name a few. SNHU's history major is designed to be comprehensive and flexible, so you can tailor your degree to your areas of interest.
Courses & Curriculum Study the past and shape the future with on-campus history courses
SNHU's undergraduate history program begins with a foundational education in American, European, Asian and comparative history. The program also increasingly offers more opportunities to study world history and culture. Additionally, all history degree majors complete required courses in historical methods and a senior colloquium, where you write a senior thesis. In addition, you may select a concentration in American, European or military history, or choose your own electives to focus on the historical issues that interest you most.
Interested in earning your degree in an online environment? SNHU also offers this curriculum through its online history degree.
Campus history concentrations
Looking to specialize your degree? SNHU offers 3 concentrations for the BA in History degree.
Study the evolution of the United States in the Bachelor of Arts in History with a concentration in American History at Southern New Hampshire University. From the American Revolution to the 20th century, you'll follow the growth and expansion of the U.S. from its beginnings to its place in the current world stage.
Courses may include:
- American Environmental History
- Civil War and Reconstruction
- Colonial New England
- United States History Since 1945
Explore ancient Greece and Rome all the way to Europe's involvement in World War I and World War II with a Bachelor of Arts in History with a concentration in European History. You'll investigate thousands of years of history through the lens of religion, politics, warfare and the arts.
Courses may include:
- The Ancient World of Greece and Rome
- Modern Germany: 1871 - Present
- Modern European History: 1890 - Present
- World War I and World War II
Learn how warfare has shaped the development of civilization - and how civilization shaped warfare - in SNHU's Bachelor of Arts in History with a concentration in Military History degree program.
In this military history degree concentration, you'll acquire a valuable understanding of military history by reading, evaluating and discussing events that have significantly influenced society.
Courses may include:
- Civil War and Reconstruction
- Modern War & Society
- World War I, World War II
- United States History Since 1945
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our faculty members bring with them decades of knowledge and experience, which informs the development of SNHU’s courses and curriculum. They look forward to supporting your journey both in the classroom and as you work toward a career in your field.
Charles Andrews
Position
Associate Professor, History
Joined SNHU
2013
Prior to SNHU, Charles was a visiting assistant professor of history at Transylvania University. He received several scholarships and awards, including the Luce Foundation/ASIA network Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA. His publications include "Nittsu's Company History as a Guide to the Early Modern Origins of Japan's Modern Communications" in Shashi: Journal of Japanese Business History (2012). Andrews' research interests include social history of early modern and modern Japan, business and communications history of Japan and history of education in Japan. His professional memberships include the Association for Asian Studies and Early Modern Japan Network.
Kenneth Nivison 
Position
Professor and Department Chair, Humanities; Coordinator, History; Director, University Honors Program
Joined SNHU
2009
Education
- PhD and MA in History from the Catholic University of America
- BA in Politics from Saint Anselm College
Dr. Kenneth Nivison's research interests focus on the interplay of politics, culture and society from the era of the American Revolution through the American Civil War. His current research project blends environmental, economic and political history in an examination of climate, geography and social development in New Hampshire in the first decades of the 19th century, centered on the famed "Year Without a Summer" of 1816. He has published several articles, essays and reviews, including articles in the History of Education Quarterly and Diplomacy & Statecraft. He's also the author of book chapters in Jon L. Wakelyn, ed., Leaders of the American Civil War and in Clayton Jewett, ed., The Battlefield and Beyond. He's served SNHU in a number of positions, including history program coordinator, president of the faculty senate and interim dean for the School of Arts, Sciences and Education. He currently serves as a trustee of the Manchester Historic Association.
To learn more about SNHU faculty, visit our campus faculty page.
Campus major courses
You’ll take major courses that provide you with a solid foundation in your area of study – in some cases featuring experiential or project-based learning opportunities, labs, simulations and internships. These courses will allow you to learn a wide variety of topics and help prepare you for a role in your desired field.
Courses may include:
Visit the course catalog to view the full BA in History curriculum.
Campus general education courses
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Can’t wait? You don’t have to!
Apply now if you’re ready, and have your decision within 30 days. Or, schedule a visit and come see us in person!
Career Outlook What can I do with a history degree?
The BA in History from Southern New Hampshire University is an excellent stepping stone to graduate studies in education, history, law and related fields. Lawyers, teachers and economists often have history degrees, although additional studies are required for these professions. It can prepare you for a wide variety of career options where research, analysis and communication skills are valued.
Career paths include:
- Historian
- Journalist
- Academic researcher
- Social organizer
- Public servant
Projected job growth for historians though 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
The median annual income for historians as of May 2023, according to BLS.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Campus Student Experience So, what's it like taking classes on campus?
In the history program, you'll take part in a variety of learning experiences ranging from small seminars and team-taught courses to field experiences. You even could have the opportunity to intern for a museum, or study abroad in Ireland, Italy or England. No matter where your learning takes place, whether on or off campus, you'll learn to think, analyze, discover and debate. Here, you'll spend your time learning how to formulate questions about the facts of history, as well as how to forge a journey in pursuit of answers.
Student support
At SNHU, you don’t have to do this college thing alone. You’ll have help from your advisor, access to tutoring and office hours, career coaching, and mental health services so you can do your best and feel your best.
Additionally, our Office of Diversity and Campus Accessibility Center make campus a safe place for everyone. Visit our Student Services page to learn more about our support offerings.
Small class sizes
With an average class size of 15-25 (depending on your major) you’ll learn in an environment where professors with real world experience know you by name.
Here, you’re not getting lost in giant lecture halls, but instead, actively participating in thoughtful dialogue where you’re always encouraged to collaborate with your peers and ask questions when they arise.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our 300-acre campus has everything you need. From technology-advanced classroom settings to your dorms complete with fitness centers and hangout spots, our goal is to give you the best college experience possible.
Whether you’re learning in a classroom, in a lab, on the field, or in your field, you’ll have what you need to be successful from the moment you wake up to the moment you close your textbooks.
School of Arts, Sciences and Education Learn about the School of Arts, Sciences and Education
From understanding why people behave the way they do, to studying and tackling today's environmental issues, the School of Arts, Sciences and Education serves as an academic hub for creativity, collaboration and learning. Here, you'll have the chance to gain real-world experience through internships, student teaching, lab work and community-based projects. From studying cells under a microscope or analyzing crime scenes to leading a student-teaching session in an elementary classroom, you’ll learn how the world works so you can help make it a better place.
Student teaching opportunities
Inkwell game design studio
State-of-the-art labs
How SNHU makes college affordable
At Southern New Hampshire University, we're on a mission to make high-quality education more accessible with more affordable tuition. With 70+ career-focused majors, state-of-the-art facilities, D2 sports and over 70 student clubs and organizations, you can get the campus experience you've always dreamed of at a more affordable price.
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Our collaborative partnerships with high schools enhance academic opportunities and college accessibility for some high school students.
Hear from us
Kenneth Nivison, Professor and Department Chair, Humanities; Coordinator, History; Director, University Honors Program
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/historians.htm (viewed Oct. 27, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
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