College of Arts and Sciences · Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor's in History

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Program Overview

Interpret the Past, Understand the Present.

Maryville University's bachelor's in history helps students examine and interpret the past to better understand today's world. Through a balanced liberal arts education, students strengthen their communication, research and analytical skills while preparing for careers in history-related fields or graduate and professional study.

What sets the program apart

    • Develop strong research, communication and analytical skills through the study of history.
    • Receive a balanced liberal arts education that supports a wide range of career paths.
    • Complete internship opportunities at museums, archives and libraries throughout the St. Louis region.
    • Study with faculty who teach courses across diverse historical topics.
    • Prepare for graduate or professional programs in fields such as law, international relations, library science, urban planning and business administration.

Why Choose Maryville for History?

 
In essence, the study of history is a critical approach to information. Studying history teaches you how to analyze artifacts, texts, and other information to interpret historical events and to bring insights about the past to bear on the president. Studying history at Maryville teaches you to ask questions and challenge accepted knowledge, to make connections between cultures, to conduct research and analyze complex sources. Our program pairs coursework that examines the rich panoply of our human past with project-based learning, advising, fieldwork, and internships. Maryville history majors receive theoretical and experiential training for a host of different careers in public history, law, politics, and international relations and secondary education. If you are interested in the history program at Maryville, please feel free to stop by and take a tour.
Why Maryville

Why Choose Maryville for History?

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

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  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
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Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

History graduates develop versatile analytical and research skills that can lead to opportunities in museums, archives, education, government and other organizations that preserve and interpret historical information.

Growing collections of historical records and continued public interest in museums and cultural institutions contribute to demand for professionals who organize, preserve and share historical resources.

Career Paths

Preserve, organize and manage historical records and documents for public and private organizations.
Develop collections, oversee exhibits and interpret historical artifacts for museums and cultural institutions.
Assist with the preservation, cataloging and care of museum collections and exhibits.
Conduct historical research for educational institutions, organizations or public agencies.
Teach history courses while helping students develop historical knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Manage archival collections and oversee access to historical materials for organizations and institutions.
11%Projected Job Growth

Employment of archivists, curators and museum workers is projected to grow faster than average as organizations seek professionals to preserve and manage collections, records and historical materials.

$57,120Median Salary

Median annual wage for archivists, curators and museum workers reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.*

4,700Approximate Annual Job Openings

Annual openings are projected due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupation.

*Source: Career statistics are based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers. National projections do not guarantee specific employment outcomes or salaries.

Admission Requirements, Curriculum & Courses

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements Discover requirements for a freshman, transfer, or international student.Course Descriptions Explore our catalog for details about the course requirements and electives.Degree Planning Sheet A sample plan of study

Interested in earning your history degree online?

Maryville also offers an online Bachelor of Arts in History for students seeking a flexible path to completing their degree. The 100% online program helps you build research, writing, critical thinking and communication skills through coursework in world history, a local history seminar, an optional internship and a personalized portfolio project that prepares you for graduate study or careers in education, museums, government and beyond.

View the online degree information

Want to learn more about our course offerings?

Detailed course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in our catalog.

Read full course descriptionsExplore the full catalog
Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the History program.

Financial Aid InformationContact the Financial Aid Office
Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges 2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
Take the Next Step

Ready to take the next step?

Apply today, request more information, or schedule a visit to see if Maryville is the right fit for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Students strengthen research, communication and analytical skills through the study of history.
Yes. Students have opportunities to complete internships with museums, archives and libraries throughout the St. Louis region.
Yes. Maryville offers an online bachelor's in history program.
Graduates may pursue careers in research, teaching, museum curation, archival administration and related fields.
Yes. The program helps prepare students for graduate and professional study in areas including law, international relations, library science, urban planning and business administration.
Internship opportunities include the Missouri History Museum, St. Louis Art Museum, Gateway Arch National Park and The State Historical Society of Missouri.