Technology and big data drive our modern world, and people trained in history provide the context, cultural fluency, and ethical awareness to make meaning of it. Because they can make these connections, our graduates find good paying and rewarding jobs in expected fields like law, education, and public history, but also in unexpected places like corporate marketing, health care administration, and data analytics. We train individuals to sift through large quantities of information, interpret it, and persuade others to act. Our students are inspired by a diverse and award-winning faculty and by fellow students who are not afraid to question and debate. Many history students double major or minor in other fields. Studying history at the University of Kentucky will position you to succeed in a rapidly changing workforce, but just as importantly, it will fuel your curiosity and give you a deeper understanding of yourself and your world.
A degree in history, much like many of the other liberal arts degree’s, provides degree holders with a unique set of skills to adapt to an ever changing career environment. A degree in a liberal arts major like history provides individuals with a broader range of skills that can be adapted to a vast reservoir of career fields.
Career opportunities in History
History is the study of the most important and exciting events that have ever occurred, providing students with a wide ranging introduction to modern societies, cultures, and global events. The program provides rigorous instruction in critical thinking, writing, and composition. As one of the broadest and most diverse disciplines in academia, history provides students with connections to numerous other programs and opportunities across campus.
Any student earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree must complete a minimum of 39 hours at the 300+ level. These hours are generally completed by the major requirements. However, keep this hour requirement in mind as you choose your course work for the requirements in the major. Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree must complete a minimum of 60 hours in biological, physical, mathematical and/or computer sciences. See the complete description of College requirements for a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sciences degrees in the Arts and Sciences section of the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin.
Total Credit Hours - 30
Total Hours - 6
Core Requirements
Other Course Work Required by the Major
Course Work from Outside the Department
Total Hours - 45
Lawyers advise and represent clients on legal proceedings or transactions.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$145,760
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
826,300
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
62,400
new jobs (average)
Lawyers work for a variety of organizations, usually in office settings. Some work for federal, local, or state governments. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreUnderstanding that over 70 percent of university students will change their declared major at least once during their college careers, the College of Arts and Sciences has developed an Exploratory Studies program for students who have yet to decide the specific field of study that most closely aligns both their personal interests and their professional career goals and objectives. The Exploratory Studies Program provides students with an extraordinarily diverse educational environment that includes coursework spanning Math and Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences and provides students with the unique opportunity to explore multiple areas of interest during their first several semesters on campus. For more information please contact a recruiting representative at asrecruting@uky.edu.
While there are endless ways to create an unforgettable journey as a Wildcat, we can only think of one that gives you the chance to step outside the classroom and into exploring new parts of the world around you: participating in an Education Abroad opportunity! Whether it’s in a study, research, service, or internship program, taking your UK experience international with EA is the most hands-on way for you to expand your global perspective while making yourself a more well-rounded, marketable candidate to future employers no matter your field. As you take these first steps towards investing in your future, EA encourages you to take advantage of all the opportunities UK has to offer. Take a look at some of the many suggested opportunities UK Education Abroad & Exchanges has to complement your major! #ukyabroad
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College of Arts & Sciences
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