Develop a world view that goes back centuries

Today, the past is more relevant than ever. At Waterloo, you’ll explore history to make sense of the present.

Our small classes create lots of opportunity for animated discussions, while the co-op option offers relevant work experience before you graduate.

In your upper years, an impressively wide range of courses let you focus on the events, themes, or historical time periods that intrigue you most. Delve deep with four possible specializations, or broaden your education with courses from other disciplines.

Whichever way you shape your degree, you’ll develop an invaluable set of skills — technical, creative, critical, and analytical — that will serve you well in almost any career.

Program highlights

  • Award-winning teachers. Our professors have racked up a number of honours for their teaching and research, including six student-nominated Distinguished Teaching Awards.
  • Study in China. Take a portion of your degree at Nanjing University, where you can immerse yourself in the history and culture of China.


What will you learn?  

First-year courses

During your first year, you'll take two introductory History courses. Plus, you'll have electives to explore an additional major of your choosing. In upper years, 40% of the classes you'll take will be History courses.

Learn about courses you'll take for your History degree.

Customize your degree

You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one or more of the areas of focus within the program.

  • Global Interactions
  • Revolution, War, and Upheaval
  • Applied History
  • International Relations

You can also include one of the minors available to all Waterloo students. A popular area of focus for History students is English Language and Literature.

 

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Ask a Faculty of Arts student about their program, classes, getting involved on campus, and more!

 


Admissions

Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business and choose History as your major at the end of first year.

Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

  • Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%)

Admission average: Low 80s (co-op and regular)

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.

Connect with us

Questions about courses, programs, requirements, careers?

Please contact our Faculty of Arts recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.

 


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