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History at The State University of New York at Fredonia is designed to empower history majors with critical skills for analyzing historical events and understanding the contemporary world. As a history major at Fredonia, students develop a unique set of analytical and communication tools that extend far beyond traditional historical study. History majors learn to connect the present and the past, the local and the global; to create and communicate new knowledge through their research and writing; and to engage constructively with their profession, their communities, and the world. While many history majors don't necessarily become professional historians, the versatile skills they acquire are transferable to virtually any profession.

The Fredonia Difference

Fredonia's history major program goes beyond textbook learning by encouraging students to "do history" through hands-on experiences. History majors conduct original research, analyze complex sources, develop sophisticated arguments, and communicate their findings with precision. The program offers rich opportunities for history majors to engage in service learning, internships, scholarly conferences, and study abroad. These experiences are carefully designed to develop and promote the skills and competencies history majors will need to succeed in a complex, global community.

Career Opportunities for History

  • Non-profit directors & managers
  • Entrepreneurs and business leaders
  • Historian/archivist
  • Information management
  • Historian/archivist/librarians
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What does a 4-year degree look like?

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What are all the required and elective courses offered to obtain this degree?

HIST 100 Decoding History

This course is an introduction to the discipline of history, with special emphasis on developing the skills necessary to read, evaluate, and write different types of history.

HIST 201 Doing History

In this course, students learn the methods and skills of historical analysis and storytelling. They will learn how to do basic historical research; how to assess and interpret historical evidence; and how to organize and present historical information through different types of historical writing.

HIST 495 The Capstone Seminar

As the culminating course for the major, this course asks students to bring together all the skills and knowledge they have learned in their course work to complete a significant research project. It is a writing and speaking intensive course.

Student Story

Fredonia's History program prepared me with the research and problem-solving skills that are critical for success no matter what field you enter.

— Laura Hirst

Why History at Fredonia?

Minors

Our Ethnic Studies minor offers programs about African American, Native American, Latinx, and Multi-Ethnic history.

Storytelling

Students learn to tell stories about a complex world that is grounded in research, evidence, and analysis. They also learn how to communicate with diverse audiences in and out of the classroom.

Experience the world

Fredonia's courses enable students explore the complexity of the global past. Students also study abroad in places like France, England, Hungary, Russia, China, Spain, and Morocco, just to name a few!

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