Bachelor of Arts in Humanities
History
Overview
History is the study of the past based on finding, analyzing, and interpreting recorded evidence. It is a discipline that seeks both to understand the past in its own terms and to explain the present in light of the past.
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities with a concentration in History will learn about the causes of significant events in history; examine historical developments in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Hawai‘i, and the Pacific; assess the role of major actors on the world stage; and foster the skills necessary to discover and express effectively an understanding of the past. UH West O‘ahu history courses are taught through in-class instruction and distance learning.
Careers and Earning Potential
History is an excellent degree that prepares graduates for careers in education, journalism, government and non-profit organizations, law, international affairs, and business. Because the modern history curriculum includes so many approaches – including gender, ethnic, cultural, social, political, economic, national, and world – a History concentration provides a solid grounding for post-graduate study in a variety of disciplines and diversity in choices. Included among them are history, Hawaiian and Pacific studies, art history, education, library and information sciences, communications, museum studies, international affairs, and law.
Graduates in history from UH West O‘ahu have continued their education with graduate programs at UH Mānoa, University of Massachusetts – Amherst, University of California, Davis, University of Alabama, University of Oklahoma, University of Texas – El Paso, and Gonzaga University, among others. They currently teach at the elementary, intermediate, secondary and college levels both in Hawai‘i and on the mainland. Others hold positions as librarians, museum curators, journalists and attorneys.
History graduates earn an average of $51,500 per year according to The College Majors Handbook. Those who work for private companies earn an average of $55,000, while self-employed History graduates earn an average yearly salary of $73,100.
For more information on careers and earning potential, visit the Hawaiʻi Career Explorer website.
