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The Power of History: Think, Analyze, Lead

History is more than just studying the past—it’s about understanding the world and shaping the future. At SUNY Fredonia, the History program equips students with critical thinking, research, and communication skills that prepare them for success in a wide range of careers. Whether you dream of becoming an educator, researcher, policymaker, or leader in any field, a degree in History will give you the tools to analyze complex issues, connect global perspectives, and engage meaningfully with your community and profession.

What You’ll Gain:

  • Critical Thinking – Develop the ability to analyze historical events, evaluate sources, and form evidence-based arguments.
  • Research Skills – Learn to investigate complex historical topics, interpret primary and secondary sources, and uncover new insights.
  • Communication Excellence – Strengthen your ability to write clearly, present compelling arguments, and engage in meaningful discussions.
  • Global Perspective – Connect historical events to contemporary issues, understanding their impact on today’s world.
  • Hands-on Experience – Participate in original research, internships, service learning, scholarly conferences, and study abroad opportunities.

Career Opportunities for History

  • Academic Researcher
  • College Professor
  • Fundraising
  • Lawyer
  • Policy Analyst
  • Business Consultant
  • Entrepreneur
  • Historian
  • Librarian
  • Writer/Editor
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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.

Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past by studying historical documents and sources.

  • Average Salary: $72,890 per year
  • Job Outlook 2023-2033: 6% growth
  • Typical Entry-Level Education: Master's degree

College Professor

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.

  • Median Salary: $84,380 per year
  • Job Outlook 2023-2033: 8% growth
  • Typical Entry-Level Education: Graduate degree, varies

Writers and Authors

Writers and authors develop written content for various types of media.

  • Average Salary: $73,690 per year
  • Job Outlook 2023-2033: 5% growth
  • Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

Why History at Fredonia?

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Research, Analyze, Tell the Story

Develop the skills to analyze historical events, uncover hidden narratives, and communicate complex ideas with clarity and purpose.

Crazy Horse memorial in South Dakota

Diverse Voices, Rich Narratives

Dive into African American, Native American, Latinx, and Multi-Ethnic history with our Ethnic Studies minor, expanding your understanding of diverse perspectives.

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The World is Your Classroom

Study the complexity of world history in courses that span cultures and time periods—or take your learning abroad to places like France, England, Hungary, Russia, China, Spain, and Morocco.

Student Stories

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

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