About History

Want to learn about the past or change the future? History can help prepare you for a variety of careers.

History majors learn how to research and analyze information, consider multiple perspectives, construct strong arguments, and communicate their knowledge to others. Great communication, writing, and critical thinking skills can help you succeed in any profession!

History provides an examination of human activities from prehistoric times to the present, allowing students to acquire a sophisticated knowledge of the multi-faceted nature of the world’s many and diverse cultures. The study of history also imparts a thought process that develops a student’s ability to think critically about the past as well as the present.

History is a major that can be used in many fields. Graduates learn how to effectively communicate and think critically in many contexts, such as the workplace, social settings, community events and interpersonal situations.
 

Explore Potential Careers

History is one of the most versatile majors you can choose! History majors frequently go to law school, graduate programs in history, museum studies, public history, and library studies. Jobs/careers include:

  • Research assistant
  • Advertising executive
  • Analyst
  • Archivist
  • Broadcaster
  • Writer
  • Journalist
  • Publisher
  • Lawyer
  • Librarian
  • Curator
  • Paralegal or legal assistant
  • Museum director
  • Politics
  • Business analyst
  • Product marketing
  • Public relations
  • Foreign service officer
  • Congressional aide
  • Intelligence agent
  • Information specialist
  • Business administration
  • Media specialist
  • Sales, medicine
  • STEM fields

Program Options 

Click on the degree or certificate you're interested in earning to see a sample map of courses to take to complete your goal from start to finish. 

Please note that the course maps provided are just an example to help you get started. Please meet with a counselor to personalize the plan to you and your Academic goals. 

View Requirements in College Catalog

Semester 1 

Course Number Course Title Units Notes

HIST 17A            

 The United States to 1877 3  
ENGL 1A + 1AS University-Parallel Reading and Composition + Support 4-6  
CSU GE Area A1 Oral Communication 3  
POLS 1 U.S. Government 3  
CSU GE Area E Lifelong Learning and Self-Development 3  

Total Units: 16-18 

Semester 2

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
HIST 17B The United States 3  
CSU GE Area A3 Critical Thinking 3-4  
CSU GE Area B4 Math / Quantitative Reasoning 3-8  
Additional Major Requirement (See Counselor) 3  
Additional CSU Transferable Units (See Counselor) 3  

Total Units: 15-21 

Semester 3

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
HIST 4A Western Civilization 3  
CSU GE Area B1 Physical Science 3-6  
CSU GE Area B3 Lab Activity (To Be Taken with Course from B1 or B2) 1  
CSU GE Area C1 Arts 3  
Major Requirement - Diversity courses for United States Under-Represented Groups (See Counselor) 3  
Additional CSU Transferable Units (See Counselor) 3  

Total Units: 16-19

Semester 4

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
HIST 4B Western Civilization 3  
CSU GE Area B2 Life Science 3-6  
Additional Major Requirement (See Counselor) 3  
Additional CSU Transferable Units (See Counselor) 3  
Additional CSU Transferable Units (See Counselor) 3  

Total Units: 15-18

Transfer Options

The program coursework you complete at City College will satisfy lower-division requirements for related majors at several colleges and universities. Start planning your transfer by exploring History programs at the following institutions: 

  • University of California
  • California State University
  • All public and private universities and colleges. 

Have questions about transfer? Visit the Transfer Center for help, transfer information, and/or to speak with college representatives.