Study History at UNLV

There are many reasons to study history at UNLV. The history major provides the skills to succeed in an ever-competitive job market through teaching essential proficiencies of research, analysis, and communication. Our students study North American, world, and public history with award-winning, dynamic, and student-centered faculty. History majors receive a microcredential in historical research methods and pursue careers in traditional fields (such as teaching and law) and non-traditional fields (including entertainment, finance, and journalism).

We also have a vibrant graduate program offering Ph.D. and M.A. subplans in North American and world history. And our unique accelerated master’s program gives talented undergraduates the opportunity to earn a master of arts degree in one year through dual credit and graduate course work. Scholarship and graduate assistant opportunities are also available. 

Love history but majoring in something else? Consider the history minor. This easy-to-earn 18-unit degree counts AP and dual credit history courses taken in high school and offers an excellent complement to students in the social sciences, humanities, and STEM.

Our Focus on Public History

Public history allows our students and faculty to take history beyond the classroom by connecting with the community. In return, students get the opportunity to pursue their interests in history through public roles (such as writers, podcasters, and filmmakers) or behind-the-scenes professions (such as archivists, curators, and administrators). Additionally, public history fits with UNLV's Carnegie Research One (R1) designation and is a key component of UNLV's community outreach and involvement.

Our Public History Initiatives

• Widening Our Course Offerings: We are expanding our undergraduate courses on museum studies and digital history, in addition to our graduate course offerings.
• Creating Opportunities with the Reid Public History Institute: The Reid Public History Institute allows students to collaborate with museums and archives across Las Vegas to expand their knowledge and gain training in the field.
• Leveraging Faculty and Department Partnerships: Our faculty are involved in a wide range of partnerships, including: projects with local families and museums; participation in museum exhibits and other kinds of programming; cataloging and archiving; and involvement in efforts with groups protecting California beaches. These partnerships allow our faculty and students to expand their impact beyond the classroom.