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History

Contact

Ramapo College Office of Admissions

McBride House 505 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, NJ 07430

p: (201) 684-7300
e: admissions@ramapo.edu
f: (201) 684-7964

About the History Major

If you’re curious, love asking “why” and want to make a difference in the world, a history degree from Ramapo College is for you. Historians don’t just study the past—we shape the future. With a major in history, you’ll gain the skills for careers in history, education, law and beyond. Plus, our hands-on learning, and expert faculty will set you up for success in your chosen path.

View "Making History - History & Digital Humanities at Ramapo College"

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What You’ll Learn

A History major gives students a broad understanding of the past, helping them develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills.

Some courses in the History Major include:

  • HIST 224 – WORLD WAR II: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
  • HIST 233 – AMERICAN LEGAL HISTORY
  • HIST 242 – ANCIENT ROME
  • HIST 251 – POLITICS OF EUROPE
  • HIST 277 – INTRODUCTION TO EAST ASIAN CIVILIZATIONS

SEE ALL COURSES & DEGREE REQUIREMENTS >

Hands-on/Experiential learning

At Ramapo College, you won’t just learn about history—you’ll be part of it. From day one, you’ll be involved in hands-on projects that sharpen your research, analytical and problem-solving skills—qualities that set you apart in careers for history majors.

You’ll dive into archival research, curate museum exhibits and bring history to life through digital storytelling. Internships with organizations like Goldman Sachs, New York Transit Museum and The Library of Congress give you real-world experience, whether you’re interested in law, finance, media or policy-making.

Your education also extends beyond campus. Field studies and digital history projects give you even more opportunities to explore the past in meaningful ways. You might contribute to a documentary, create an interactive history exhibit or develop digital archives that bring historical research to a wider audience.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have a portfolio of work demonstrating your ability to think critically, communicate effectively and apply historical knowledge. Whether you’re interested in education, business, law, or journalism, your experiences at Ramapo College will prepare you for success.

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Careers & Outcomes

Choosing a history degree at Ramapo College means opening doors to exciting careers far beyond the classroom. Whether you’re passionate about uncovering the past, analyzing complex issues or developing skills that translate into real-world success, studying history equips you with the tools to make an impact. Employers value the ability to research, think critically and communicate effectively—skills that are at the core of our history courses.

You might wonder, “What can I do with a history degree?” The answer is—more than you think. Studying history prepares you for careers in law, business, education, media, government and even tech. History graduates work as researchers, analysts and strategists in industries that rely on critical thinking and problem-solving.

Read more about Careers

Some of the top careers for history majors include:

  • Education: Teaching in high schools or universities
  • Law and Government: Preparing for law school or working in public policy
  • Museums and Archives: Preserving history as a curator or archivist
  • Business and Finance: Analyzing market trends and business strategies
  • Media and Journalism: Writing, researching and reporting on historical and current events

A history degree is a powerful foundation for many careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2024 median annual salary for historians is $74,050, and museum-related careers are projected to grow 11% by 2033. Additionally, history graduates often pursue law degrees, where the 2024 median annual salary for lawyers is $151,160.

At Ramapo College, you won’t just learn history—you’ll experience it through internships, research opportunities and study abroad programs. Whether you dream of becoming a historian, lawyer, educator or business professional, your history degree will prepare you for success.

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Success Story

Taylor Puluse

“Ramapo College provided me with a well-rounded interdisciplinary undergraduate education that has supported me into fulfilling many of my life goals. It is where I found my calling to be an attorney, and gained recognition for my hard work. I built friendships with fellow students and received valuable mentorships from my professors. I am a proud alumna and am forever grateful for the experiences and the knowledge I gained there.”

Taylor graduated summa cum laude with dual majors in Law and Society and in History. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Rutgers Law School Newark in May 2023, and is a member of the New York and New Jersey bars. She currently works as an attorney at a top law firm in the NJ/NY area.

– Taylor Puluse ’20

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Related Programs

History Minor

A minor in History is five HIST courses. It is a useful way to sharpen your research, writing, and speaking skills as you pursue a different major.

Social Studies Certification

For those interested in teaching secondary education (middle and high school), Ramapo’s Teacher Education and Certification Program will allow you to obtain a teaching certification in Social Studies (history).

Beyond the Classroom

Co-Curricular Activities to Enhance Your Learning

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How to Apply

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