History (BA, Minor)

History is one of the most respected departments at Harpur College of Arts and Sciences. Our faculty thrives in scholarship and teaching. Our curriculum explores human societies over time and across the globe while preparing students to conduct their historical research. Our courses explore everything from the history of the modern U.S. to the history of ancient China, and many classes cut across geographic boundaries to address such questions as women and gender history, imperialism, environmental history, and the history of science, technology, and medicine. We train our students to think critically about how knowledge is produced and disseminated, and also to convey their insights and discoveries concisely and clearly.

Internships, Research Opportunities, and More

All History majors and minors take a senior seminar in which a history professor advises them as they conduct their historical research. History majors can also pursue independent study in the research area of interest to them in consultation with a faculty member. All students are welcome to submit their history papers to the student-edited Binghamton Journal of History for publication. Students should also watch for opportunities to enroll in a faculty-led study abroad program in such locations as Greece, Turkey, or France. Many History courses also offer scope for student research or community-engaged and service-learning work. Students may also sign up for an internship which enables them to earn Harpur credit for field experience at a local museum or research library. For further help in finding an internship, service learning, and study abroad opportunities in history, visit the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development, the Center for Civic Engagement, and the Office of International Education and Global Initiatives.

The department is also a member of Phi Alpha Theta, a professional society whose purpose is to promote the study of history. We hold a ceremony to induct new members and celebrate student award winners each spring.

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!

Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY), is the #1 public university in New York. We are a mid-sized university of 18,000 undergraduate and graduate students, including over 1,500 international students from over 100 countries. Binghamton provides top tier education in six schools and 130+ academic programs, with several exclusive honors programs and world-class research opportunities for students in every major.

On campus, there’s always something to do, with 21 NCAA Division I teams and 450+ student-led clubs and organizations. Binghamton University is nestled in picturesque rolling hills just minutes from a vibrant downtown area where students can explore the arts, local restaurants, and professional sports. We are just a few hours from major urban centers such as New York City, Boston, and Toronto, and our award-winning career center connects students to opportunities around the country and around the world.

Binghamton offers countless resources to support students learning and excelling both within and outside of the classroom. Combined with an affordable price, Binghamton University consistently earns a best value ranking among US universities.