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Why Study History?
Question the past, understand the present — Trinity's History program builds critical thinking, creative analysis, logical argument, and persuasive writing skills through the open-minded examination of history.
Close Faculty Mentorship
Small, discussion-based classes allow students to work closely with faculty, ask important questions, and develop ideas through conversation, writing, and research.
Research and Independent Inquiry
Students engage in original research through seminars, independent study, and honors projects, learning how to interpret evidence and construct meaningful arguments.
Learning Through Place
San Antonio becomes part of the classroom through internships and experiences in museums, historic sites, and government offices, connecting historical study to the wider community.
It’s a good fit for you if you:
- Enjoy exploring how past events, people, and ideas have shaped the world we live in today.
- Like researching, analyzing evidence, and developing well-supported arguments based on multiple perspectives.
- Are curious about different cultures, societies, political systems, and historical periods.
- Want to strengthen your critical thinking, writing, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Are considering careers in law, government, education, public policy, journalism, museums, or other fields that value strong analytical and research abilities.
History pairs well with:
- Political Science
- International Studies
- Economics
- Communication
- English
- Language and Area Studies Programs
The History Major (B.A.)
The History major helps students understand how people, institutions, and ideas have shaped societies across time. Through close work with texts, evidence, and interpretation, students build strong skills in research, writing, and analysis while exploring historical questions across regions and periods.
In-Demand Skills
You’ll gain skills in:
- Historical and analytical thinking
- Research, writing, and evidence-based argument
- Interpreting complex social, political, and cultural change
History Curriculum:
You’ll complete 31 credit hours in coursework that examines different places, periods, and approaches to historical study.
The History major pairs well with minors or second majors in political science, international studies, religion, classics, anthropology, and other fields in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
The History Minor
18 Credit Hours | 1.5 to 2 semesters of coursework
Historical perspective strengthens how students read, question, and interpret the world.
The History minor gives students in any major the opportunity to study cultures, politics, and ideas across regions and eras while sharpening their writing, research, and analytical skills. Students explore topics in Africa, the ancient world, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Native and Indigenous societies, and the United States through courses that emphasize evidence, interpretation, and clear argument.
Recent Graduate Careers
A Trinity History major or minor helps students use research, writing, and analytical skills to pursue a wide range of professional paths. By studying people, institutions, and ideas across time, students learn to evaluate evidence, build strong arguments, and communicate clearly in careers that value insight, context, and perspective.
Law, Public Policy, and Government
History students learn to analyze sources, assess evidence, and make persuasive arguments, which prepares them for work in law, public policy, and government. The program helps students understand political systems, institutions, and social change while strengthening the reasoning skills needed for civic and professional leadership.
Education, Research, and Graduate Study
History provides a strong foundation for graduate study and careers centered on teaching, scholarship, and research. Students develop experience in independent inquiry, close reading, and historical writing while exploring questions that cross national, political, and cultural boundaries.
Museums, Archives, and Public History
Students interested in preserving and interpreting the past build skills that support careers in museums, archives, and public history. Coursework and research experiences prepare students to work with historical materials, connect communities to the past, and share history in public-facing settings.
Writing, Communication, and Nonprofit Work
The History major and minor also prepare students for careers that rely on clear communication, strong writing, and careful interpretation. Graduates can apply these skills in nonprofit organizations, business settings, communications roles, and other fields where research and persuasive storytelling matter.
Get Your Questions Answered
Students interested in the History major or minor should:
Meet with an academic adviser to explore introductory courses in History, review degree requirements in the course catalog, and contact the Department of History with any advising questions.