Studying history at Pacific

Our history program offers range and depth in our course offerings and a chance to study in small classes with engaged professors who love what they do. You will have the opportunity to meet and work closely with a faculty of internationally recognized scholars committed to providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in many professions.

Gain a broad perspective

From the history of food to a close examination of modern Asian societies, the history department offers a wide variety of classes that cover many diverse themes. Some focus on specific time periods, while others take a regional approach. Just as diverse is the array of specialties our faculty members draw from to illuminate historical topics.

Three-year degree option

You have the option to earn your Bachelor of Arts degree in three years. Do your part to stay on track, and you could shave a year off your undergraduate work. That means significant savings on tuition and you get a jumpstart on your career. See a faculty advisor to assist you in planning.

Sarah Hess
Outstanding Student
Sarah Hess '21

Sarah Hess was a Powell Scholar and graduated from Pacific with a degree in history. In spring 2019, she won an award for best undergraduate research at the Phi Alpha Theta regional history conference at Sacramento State University for a paper she wrote about naturalist John Muir's pioneering study of glaciers.

She is now a student at the UCLA School of Law and is working toward becoming a corporate attorney in Silicon Valley. 

Experiential Learning

As a history major, you will have many opportunities for learning outside the classroom. We have facilitated internships at nearby museums and supported independent student projects and presentations at national conferences.

Digital Humanities in Action
Little Manila Recreated

An example of the kind of research projects students do at the University of the Pacific, Little Manila Recreated makes history real for students by combining digital technology, the arts and sciences to build a virtual model of a Stockton community that was destroyed nearly 50 years ago in the name of progress.

What can you do with a history degree?

A successful history major can think, analyze, write and be persuasive—highly desirable skills in today's marketplace. You will have the added benefit of acquiring historical knowledge and perspective, which gives you a unique, contextual understanding about the world in which you live.

  • Law
  • K-12 Education
  • Higher Education
  • Health and Medicine
  • Public Affairs
  • Political Consulting
  • Computer Software
  • Museum Curation
  • Research
  • Writing, Editing and Publishing
  • Financial Services
  • Education
  • Historical Conservation
  • Nonprofit
  • Forestry
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Real Estate
  • Media Relations

  • Pepperdine University
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • Brandeis University
  • American University
  • George Washington University
  • The College of William and Mary
Teaching credential track

If you wish to qualify to teach history at the secondary level, you should complete the Single Subject Credential in the social sciences. Ask you adviser or the department chair for information on specific course requirements.  For other credential requirements, you should consult faculty in Benerd College.

teacher Edith Torres

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Arts in History
Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences
History Minor
Public History and Museum Studies

Contact Us

student taking picture of tour guide
Department of History
209-946-2270

3601 Pacific Avenue
Stockton, CA 95211