History
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (B.A., B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • 132 Credits
Historians examine the lives of people, the consequences of ideas, and the products of human ingenuity.
Overview
Students in Grand Valley's history program explore patterns across time and space to understand various social, political, and economic themes. Careful training in research, writing, critical reading, and interpretation makes history graduates attractive to many employers in law, library and museum work, finance, journalism, and public administration.
You will choose from a diverse range of courses, including American, European, and World history, as well as specialized topics like the history of science and medicine. You will also engage in research methods and history writing, contribute to a history journal, and explore public history and museum studies. The skills you will develop through the study of history allow you to analyze and interpret evidence and evaluate how human societies change over time.
Dedicated faculty members are committed to teaching, scholarship, and mentoring, providing a supportive learning environment. Graduates of this program are accepted into top law schools and graduate programs in history, museum studies, and library science. You can choose from research and internship opportunities for a well-rounded education that includes hands-on experience. You also have the chance to network and engage with the community through public history projects and the Veterans History Project.
Department of History
gvsu.edu/history
D-1-160
Mackinac Hall
(616) 331-3298
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Writing
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 35,119.03 | 10% |
| $ 47,606.66 | 25% |
| $ 63,782.77 | 50% |
| $ 80,390.33 | 75% |
| $108,594.15 | 90% |
Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 62,890.04 | 10% |
| $ 80,056.12 | 25% |
| $123,660.97 | 50% |
| $130,715.91 | 75% |
| $206,644.17 | 90% |
Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 35,251.93 | 10% |
| $ 42,368.29 | 25% |
| $ 52,520.66 | 50% |
| $ 68,093.50 | 75% |
| $ 93,814.96 | 90% |
Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations.
Top skills- Writing
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 36,795.79 | 10% |
| $ 48,999.31 | 25% |
| $ 61,439.28 | 50% |
| $ 83,468.85 | 75% |
| $128,279.28 | 90% |
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Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Student Organizations
Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:
Career Advising
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