History BA
- Major
- BA
- In-Person
- Greeley
- Liberal Arts
- Licensure: Social Studies (Grades 6-12)
4 Years
Program Overview
Study the past to understand the present and prepare for your future with UNC’s History BA. In this program, you won’t just memorize facts. You’ll learn how to ask questions, think critically and communicate ideas clearly.
At UNC, you’ll learn in small classes with faculty who are award-winning teachers and active scholars. You’ll explore American, European, African, Latin American and world history. You’ll also gain experience beyond the classroom through internships at museums, historical societies and archives or by studying abroad.
Our History BA offers two tracks. The Liberal Arts concentration gives you a strong foundation in global history, where you will build research and writing skills and learn to connect the past to today’s world. The Social Studies Education licensure prepares you to teach grades 6–12 through coursework and valuable field experiences. When you graduate, you’ll be ready for careers in teaching, law, public service, museums, journalism or business. You’ll also be prepared for graduate study.
The History BA at UNC gives you a broad and flexible foundation to study the past while building skills in research, writing and critical thinking. Both tracks include the Liberal Arts Curriculum (general education) and core history courses such as the Sophomore Seminar, History Library Research and a senior capstone.
The History BA at UNC requires 120-121 credits, depending on your chosen track, including:
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Liberal Arts Concentration (120 credits):
Build a strong foundation in global history through required history surveys, seminars and electives. You’ll also complete a minor in another discipline such as anthropology, economics, geography or political science. -
Social Studies Education Licensure, Grades 6–12 (121 credits):
Prepare to teach middle and high school social studies through a combination of history, social science support courses and teacher preparation coursework. This track includes hands-on classroom experiences in UNC partner schools and student teaching.
Students work closely with an advisor each semester to plan coursework and ensure all requirements are met. View full degree requirements in the academic catalog button below.
Degree Requirements – Liberal Arts Concentration
Degree Requirements – Social Studies (Grades 6-12) Licensure
Add more depth to your degree with the 18-credit History minor at UNC. You’ll build a strong base in the humanities and social sciences while gaining research, writing and critical thinking skills that fit well with any major.
History minors must earn a grade of C- or better in all history courses taken at UNC. If you earn a D+ or lower, you must retake the course or complete an approved replacement and pass with a C- or better for it to count. At least one course in Latin American, African or Asian history is recommended to give you a wider view of the world. For detailed course requirements, visit the academic catalog button below.
This plan is a recommended schedule to complete this bachelor’s degree in 4 years. Courses are subject to availability. Students must consult with their major advisor to receive information on any additional graduation requirements and course sequence guidance.
Concentrations & Licensures
Tailor your History BA through either the Liberal Arts concentration or the Social Studies Education licensure. The Liberal Arts concentration gives you a broad foundation in global history, while the Social Studies Education licensure prepares you to teach grades 6–12.
Interested in studying history across the world?
The Liberal Arts concentration gives you a broad understanding of American, European, African, Asian and Latin American history. You will build strong research and writing skills and learn to connect the past to today’s world. You will also have the flexibility to choose electives that match your interests.
You’ll learn to:
- Analyze events and cultures from multiple regions of the world
- Build research and writing skills through projects and coursework
- Connect historical knowledge to today’s global challenges
- Apply critical thinking to complex historical questions
Why UNC for History?
Award-Winning Faculty
Learn from faculty who are passionate teachers and scholars. In small classes, you’ll get close guidance to sharpen your research, writing, and critical thinking skills. The History department has been named a Center of Excellence twice, and faculty have earned University Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Scholarship — proof that you’re learning from some of the best.
Ranked #3 in Colorado
The History BA at UNC is ranked #3 in Colorado and #258 nationally by College Factual, showing UNC’s strong reputation for history education and student success.
Flexible Pathways to Your Career
Choose the Liberal Arts concentration for a broad foundation in global history or add Social Studies Education licensure to teach grades 6–12. Your degree prepares you for careers in teaching, law, public service, museums, journalism, business or graduate study. Motivated students can also take advantage of UNC’s accelerated 4+1 program to earn both a BA and MA in History in five years.
What is Licensure?
A teaching license is Colorado’s way of certifying that you’re qualified to teach. It shows you’ve completed the required coursework, passed state exams and gained classroom experience. Think of it like a driver’s license, but for teaching.
With UNC’s History BA Social Studies Education track, you’ll complete the Professional Teacher Education Program (PTEP) alongside your history and social science coursework. This includes hands-on classroom experiences in UNC partner schools, methods courses and student teaching during your final year.
When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to apply for your Colorado Initial Teacher License in Social Studies (Grades 6–12), qualifying you to teach middle and high school students across history, civics, economics, geography and more.
If you have questions about Licensure, email Licensure@unco.edu
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
History
- History@unco.edu
- (970) 351-2707
- 3270, Ross Hall
Want to teach history and social studies?
The Social Studies Education licensure prepares you to teach grades 6–12. You’ll study history alongside social science courses and gain classroom experience through UNC-partner schools. This track equips you to lead social studies classes in middle and high schools and also prepares you for graduate study in history.
You’ll learn to:
Learn More – Social Studies (Grades 6-12) Licensure