BA in History (Honors) in Nashville United States | Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt's history program explores the vast tapestry of our shared past through diverse lenses. Every aspect of human experience has its historical dimension—whether examining ethnic communities, environmental changes, global regions, or cultural phenomena like entertainment, scientific progress, and gender identity. Students frequently pair historical studies with disciplines like economics, world languages, medical fields, performing arts, political science, or social sciences.

The History Department provides three specialized tracks: (1) traditional history, (2) law, history, and society (LHS), and (3) a joint economics-history program. The LHS concentration focuses on historical legal systems and their interplay with social structures, cultural norms, and economic forces—ideal preparation for legal professions, policymaking, or public service. The economics-history dual major combines resources from two of Vanderbilt's strongest departments, equipping students with complementary analytical tools through coursework emphasizing economic history.

Our majors develop rigorous critical thinking, precise writing abilities, and sophisticated evidence evaluation. Through engagement with distinguished faculty in various course formats, they gain essential competencies for thriving in today's interconnected world while pursuing an intellectually rewarding field of study.