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Bachelor of Arts in History

Located in a city steeped in history, UMass Lowell's History Department has a small department feel with the resources of a large research university.

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As a history major at UMass Lowell, you will be trained to think and write critically about history. Department alumni have careers in a wide array of fields including teaching, law, government service, business and research. More than half our graduates go on to graduate school in history, education and other fields.

  • History major Benjamin Beverage talks about his experience at UMass Lowell.

Bachelor of Arts Degree

The bachelor's degree in history requires 39 credits (13 courses), including survey courses in world and U.S. history, advanced courses in European, American and global/comparative history and two seminars on methodology and research. Advanced undergraduates may take graduate classes in history, or other subjects, with instructor permission.

Details about the undergraduate program are in the Academic Catalog:

The History Department also offers a minor in history. A minor in history permits a student to develop an expertise in this field without the rigorous commitment required of the major. A history minor requires a minimum of six courses; see below for details.

A concentration in History, through the Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree, permits a student to take 8 courses in History (4 at the 3000-level or above) in combination with a second concentration in another discipline.

For admissions information, visit the UMass Lowell Admissions and Aid website:

First Years

Transfer Students

The Master of Arts in History degree is designed for current teachers seeking professional licensure, students preparing for doctoral work in history and anyone seeking the challenge of graduate work in history.

UMass Lowell students who wish to be B.A./M.A. candidates may apply to the program and waive the GRE test so long as they have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 for all previous course work. Application is typically submitted during the student’s second semester of their junior year. B.A./M.A. admission is based on having an overall GPA of 3.0 or better; two letters of recommendation from UMass Lowell History Department faculty; and a personal statement that describes the student’s interest in a history master’s degree.

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Why study history at UMass Lowell?

Student Kady Phelps in front of podium presenting her research.

Focus on Internships & Research

Internships and other forms of experiential learning are all supported by the History Department. Students regularly present their research at conferences and symposia, or they work at the Lowell National Historical Park. Learn more

Street view picture from 2017-2018 UMass Lowell Winter Study Abroad trip to Cuba. This traveling seminar will use the Cuban experience as a backdrop for experiential learning, along with discussions with professionals in that particular field of study, and writing assignments designed to allow students to reflect upon their experience studying and living in Cuba. Students will gain a multi-disciplinary overview of Cuban contemporary culture. and further understanding from a cultural, socio-political and historical context.

Robust Study Abroad Program

The best way to learn about history is to see it come alive whether that is traveling to Havana, Cuba or exploring Athens' ruins. The university offers exchanges and faculty-led programs around the world.

Bobbin Girl by Winslow Homer - kAn old drawing of a women working in the textile mill with other women's. Photo by Lowell National Historical Park

Lowell as a Classroom

Located in the heart of the Lowell National Historical Park, including the Tsongas Industrial History Center, Lowell is the ultimate classroom to learn about the industrial revolution and immigrant populations. We're also less than 45 minutes to Boston.