History (BA)
Explore the past to understand the present and shape the future.
Why choose this program?
Dal’s History program transcends borders. In addition to courses focused on specific countries and regions, we widen the lens to look at themes that range across time and place. Similarly, our program also crosses disciplines thanks to an award-winning faculty who are actively involved in many related programs in the university.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Â鶹´«Ã½ programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum overall average: 70%
Academic English 12
Four additional academic subjects
Minor in History eligibility:
This minor is available to students registered in the following 120 credit hour programs:
Bachelor of Applied Computer Science
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Community Design
Bachelor of Computer Science
Bachelor of Informatics
Bachelor of Management
Bachelor of Music,Ìý
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science (Medical Sciences) program.
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.Ìý
Program options
As a history major, you’ll explore the diversity of the human experience with courses in the pre-modern era, modern era, Euro-Americas and Afro-Asias. A minor in history can complement your area of primary focus, expand your knowledge and open up future areas of study.
The following History program options are offered by Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:  
Bachelor of Arts with Major in History
Bachelor of Arts with Double Major including History
Bachelor of Arts with Honours in History
Bachelor of Arts with Combined Honours including History
Minor in History
Minor in Middle East and South Asian Studies
Minors in a range of subjects from the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, Management, Science, Computer Science and the College of Sustainability
Certificates in Heritage Studies and Art History and Visual Culture
What you will learn
Our courses span the globe and historical periods, break down national barriers, and cross disciplines. Take courses with an emphasis on transnational history as well as dive into those that draw from our rich base in many historical periods and geographical areas. Many of our courses are cross listed with other departments in the university, allowing you to explore compatible combined degrees and double majors.
Sample courses may include:
French Revolution to the Present
Comparative Global History
The History of the Future: How visions of the future have shaped history around the world
Early Medieval Europe
War and Society since 1945
African Nova Scotian History
Art History and Visual Culture
The Holocaust
Law and Justice in Canadian Society
Slavery and Freedom in the Americas
Conflict and Security in Africa
Museums, Archives, and Material Culture
The American Revolution
The Left and the Right in Canadian Politics
History is about change. Studying the past and the stories we tell about it reveals the continuing, fundamental changeability of our world, and of the many ways we perceive, adapt to, and shape change. Studying the past thus lets us explore how and why things developed as they did; it also helps us see the present differently and imagine different futures.
Careers
Historical training teaches you how to ask questions, to find and analyze evidence, to organize and plan, and to create, write, and edit. It encourages intellectual discipline as well as creativity and imagination. It hones many of the skills most sought by employers as well as those that help sustain both good citizenship and lifelong learning. Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in fields ranging from business to journalism. Ìý
Future studies could include programs at the graduate level in history, public administration, or business administration. You may also decide to pursue a professional degree in education, law, or medicine.
