2027 Is History a Hard Major? What Students Should Know

Imed Bouchrika, PhD

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Where Does History Rank Among the Hardest College Majors?

History is generally viewed as a moderately challenging major, often placed around the middle to upper range of national difficulty rankings. These assessments consider factors such as the volume of reading and writing assignments, the necessity for strong analytical and interpretive skills, and the lack of hands-on lab or practicum requirements seen in many STEM fields.

A comprehensive survey of 118 college majors ranked history 43rd in difficulty, with roughly 55% of students describing it as hard. This reflects a substantial workload involving critical essays and research projects, though the technical demands are typically lower than in majors like chemistry or physics, which require extensive lab work and technical proficiency.

Perceptions of how hard history is vary considerably depending on the individual student's background and the institution attended. Students who excel in writing and critical thinking may find history more manageable, while those who prefer quantitative or applied sciences might consider it more difficult.

Compared to other majors, history ranks as harder than fields such as business management or social sciences but is generally seen as less demanding than engineering or chemistry. Likewise, education and hospitality management are often rated easier. Ultimately, the difficulty of history as a major is subjective and closely tied to personal skills and academic preferences.

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What Factors Make History a Hard Major?

The academic rigor of history programs, combined with demanding research and writing requirements, creates significant challenges for many students. These factors test a student's ability to manage a heavy workload while maintaining strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

  • Strict Academic Standards: History majors must meet high GPA requirements and grade minimums in key courses. For instance, students at Johns Hopkins University need at least a C- in all history courses, with a 3.5 GPA required to pursue honors thesis work. This level of academic rigor means students must consistently perform well across demanding coursework.
  • Extensive Reading and Research: Students face a heavy history major workload and study demands, often analyzing complex primary and secondary sources. The volume of reading is substantial, and research papers must reflect deep understanding and historiographical awareness. Programs like Cornell require courses outside the U.S. and on pre-1800 history, broadening the scope of material students must master.
  • Critical Writing Skills: Strong writing is essential, with many programs requiring capstone or seminar courses such as HIST 392 at Southern Illinois University, where a minimum grade of C is needed for graduation. At Holy Cross, courses like HIST 200 emphasize critical analysis, preparing students for advanced study.
  • High Workload and Time Commitment: The combination of extensive reading, writing, and research demands a significant time commitment. Maintaining a strong overall and major GPA, such as the 3.5 needed for honors at George Mason University, requires continuous dedication and effective study strategies.

For students seeking to accelerate their education despite these challenges, exploring programs like the fastest associates degree options can provide a more streamlined path.

Who Is a Good Fit for a History Major?

Understanding the personality traits of successful history majors is essential because it helps prospective students recognize if their interests and skills align with the demands of this major. Knowing what kind of person should major in history can guide students toward a more fulfilling academic experience.

  • Curious Explorers: Students who have a genuine passion for uncovering how societies and cultures evolve thrive in history. Their desire to explore new ideas motivates them to delve deeply into complex events and contexts.
  • Analytical Thinkers: Critical thinking is vital for history majors, who analyze conflicting viewpoints and interpret evidence carefully. These students excel at evaluating multiple perspectives and managing ambiguity.
  • Strong Researchers and Writers: Success in history depends heavily on producing persuasive arguments supported by primary and secondary sources. Students skilled in research and writing find it easier to meet coursework demands and communicate clearly.
  • Storytellers and Communicators: An appreciation for storytelling helps students synthesize information across disciplines and present ideas compellingly in both writing and discussion.
  • Flexible Thinkers: History majors often revise opinions as new evidence emerges, demonstrating intellectual adaptability that suits the program's challenges.

For students wondering what's the easiest doctorate degree to get, history's emphasis on research and critical analysis offers a unique path requiring curiosity and strong reasoning skills.

What Graduates Say About History as Their Major

  • Alfonso: "Pursuing history was definitely challenging, especially with the amount of critical reading and writing involved. However, the depth of understanding I gained about human societies and events made the cost of attendance, which was around $25,000 per year, feel like a worthy investment. This major has truly shaped my career in education by giving me a strong foundation in research and analytical skills. "
  • Eduardo: "Studying history was more demanding than I expected, requiring a lot of attention to detail and context. Reflecting on the financial cost-averaging about $30,000 annually-I realize it was a significant commitment, but the personal enrichment and insight into cultural dynamics I gained have been priceless. Today, I use these insights to approach problems with a broad perspective in my consulting job. "
  • Thiago: "I found history to be a rigorously thought-provoking major, pushing me to connect past events with present-day issues. The tuition, roughly $28,000 yearly, was a concern, yet the intellectual rewards and the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills were invaluable. My professional path in archival work owes much to the skills I honed studying history. "

Other Things You Should Know About History Degrees

How do job market trends in 2027 impact History majors?

In 2027, History majors face a job market that increasingly values interdisciplinary skills. Employers seek candidates who can analyze data, think critically, and communicate effectively. While traditional roles in education and research remain available, history graduates are encouraged to explore careers in policy, communications, and technology sectors.

What prerequisites are typically required for a History major in 2027?

In 2027, prerequisites for a History major often include a strong foundation in humanities courses like English and World History. Some schools may also require a minimum GPA and advanced coursework in social sciences to qualify for admission into the program.

How many credit hours are typically needed to complete a History major in 2027?

To complete a History major in 2027, students typically need around 120 credit hours, with 36–42 credits specifically required in history-related courses. This may vary by institution, so it's crucial for students to check specific university requirements.