The study of history covers an inexhaustible range of topics, from the history of aboriginal societies, conquistadors, ethnicity, fascism, labour, psychiatry, patterns of settlement and migration, politics, the Renaissance, revolution, to rock ‘n’ roll, slavery, superstition, trade unions, women's studies and more. We are all products of our history: familial, ethnic and national. Understanding our heritage sheds important light on our current situations and helps us to chart the future.
The study of history develops strong research and communication skills, both written and oral, which are relevant to many careers. With emphasis on how to analyze issues, read critically, do productive research, delineate a case and construct it with evidence, studying history helps you develop valuable skills and knowledge for employment and society.
History provides a context, a background, and a perspective for a wide range of interesting careers. Many Department of History graduates go on to careers in law, journalism, business, teaching, government and politics. Our alumni are currently employed as journalists, media producers and researchers, publishers and editors, bankers, teachers, community or social workers, librarians, archivists, government historians, museum curators and researchers.
Programs
Follow your own interests and chart your own path through university. Our undergraduate specialist, major and minor programs offer you plenty of flexibility.
Teaching and Research
As a history student, you'll gain a broad overview of the contours of history and in-depth knowledge of specific regions, time periods and themes. You'll be in good hands with our undergraduate faculty, who have won awards for their teaching, research and mentorship. Thanks to their diverse research interests, you'll be able to take courses on a variety of topics, from the history of modern espionage to slavery in the Caribbean.
Resources
Here are just a few of the resources available to our students:
- Backpack to Briefcase (b2B) – Meet and learn from our alumni (and other Faculty of Arts & Science alumni) at mentorship meals, speed networking events, career panel discussions and industry nights.
- History Students’ Association – Build your skills and meet other people who share your interest in history.
- University of Toronto Libraries – U of T’s award-winning library system offers you an extensive general collection, plus specialized collections such as the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library.
Careers
Your historical studies will help foster analytical and communication skills that are critical to many careers. Studying history will help you understand how social processes, political ideologies, economic trends and environmental changes have intersected with individual and collective human actions to shape historical change – and the world we live in today.
Our alumni put their training to use in law, business, government, museums, libraries and archives, documentary filmmaking, journalism, international relations, urban planning, teaching and many other sectors.