Students studying history in college are better equipped to write, undertake original research, and think critically. These abilities prepare you for a wide range of occupations outside academics, such as commerce, law, marketing, and finance.
The top colleges for history majors are included in this article, along with information about the history departments at each institution and the requirements for admission. See the full ranking of the best universities for history majors.
- Amherst College
Amherst, MA
Acceptance Rate: 11.3%
There are no general education requirements at the prestigious liberal arts college Amherst College in Western Massachusetts. Students are free to choose any courses they like as long as they complete the prerequisites for their majors. Nine courses covering various eras and regions are required of history majors at Amherst. Additional requirements include finishing a research seminar course culminating in a 20–25 page research paper. It’s quite a lot; however, you can always get some professional editing help from the write my paper services to submit a perfectly done writing.
- Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
Acceptance Rate: 5.8%
Ivy League, a half-hour drive from New York City, comes from one of the most prominent universities in the country: Princeton. Princeton employs an integrative and research-based approach to studying history. Other departments at Princeton, like Gender & Sexuality Studies and Hellenic Studies, have strong connections with the history department. Additionally, two junior papers and a senior thesis are required of Princeton history majors.
- Williams College
Williamstown, MA
Acceptance Rate: 12.6%
One of the top liberal arts universities in the country is Williams College, situated in the rural region of Western Massachusetts. The college is renowned for its tutorial-style classes based on the University of Oxford’s tutorial system. Two students and one professor are in these classes, and most of the work is completed independently. Williams University requires all history majors to enroll in at least one advanced seminar or tutorial. Additionally, they are encouraged to build their own concentration within the major, become fluent in a second language, and pursue an international education.
- Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Acceptance Rate: 8.9%
Another prestigious liberal arts college, Swarthmore, is around 30 minutes from Philadelphia. Due to the institution’s membership in the Tri-College and Quaker Consortiums, Swatties can also enroll in courses at the University of Pennsylvania, Haverford College, and Bryn Mawr College.
The numerous historic institutions in Philadelphia are available to Swarthmore University history students, as are the college’s own holdings, which include Quaker history and antiwar literature. The department provides funds that let students carry out summer research on a subject of their choice anywhere in the world. According to the best college essay writing service writers, studying abroad and learning a foreign language are also recommended for history students in this college.
- Yale University
New Haven, CT
Acceptance Rate: 6.1%
The highly esteemed Ivy League university Yale is halfway between Boston and New York City. Exceptionally talented professors with accolades like the Pulitzer Prize, National Humanities Medal, and National Book Award make up Yale’s history department. All students must complete a one- or two-semester Senior Essay, and they can choose between a “Global” or “Specialist” course. After only eight semesters of study, exceptional candidates may also be qualified for a combined B.A./M.A. degree in history.
- Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Acceptance Rate: 4.5%
One of the most prestigious and well-known colleges in the world is Harvard. The institution is close to Boston, Massachusetts, a city rich in historical sites and resources. The history department at Harvard University offers dual degrees in subjects, including East Asian History and History & Anthropology. Additionally, courses are grouped according to the theme and vocational preparation. A quarter of Harvard history majors go on to work in business, and another quarter attends law school, ten percent enroll in Ph.D. programs, and ten percent work in the government or public sector. Students majoring in history frequently study abroad.
- University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Acceptance Rate: 6.2%
A prestigious university like UChicago is known for having an eccentric and intelligent student body. The writers from the best writing services say that the three options available to history majors at the University of Chicago are colloquium, capstone, or research. The colloquium track requires the completion of a 15-page original research article, whereas the research track requires the completion of a 40–50-page senior thesis. Students enrolled in the colloquium program are free to present their findings in any format they choose, including a documentary, podcast, or historical fiction piece.
- Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA
Acceptance Rate: 21.6%
The most exclusive college for women in the nation, Wellesley, is located only 30 minutes from Boston’s city center. History majors at this liberal arts college must pass nine prerequisite courses. While gaining a broad knowledge base is encouraged, students are also urged to eventually focus on a particular region, era, historical perspective, or historical theme. There is also an interdisciplinary degree in history and international relations for interested students.