Any Suggestions for History Buffs?

Hey! I'm a history enthusiast hoping to major in it. Any recommendations for the best colleges in California for studying history?

Hello!

There are several excellent universities in California known for strong history programs. For public institutions, you'll want to consider the University of California system. UC Berkeley is highly renowned for its history department, particularly with strengths in areas like American history and Asian history. UCLA is another fantastic choice, with globally recognized strengths in diverse areas such as Latin American, Middle Eastern, and European history. UC San Diego and UC Davis also have commendable programs.

On the private side, Stanford University has a well-established history department with unique interdisciplinary programs like International Relations and Political Science. USC provides a strong history program with opportunities to engage in research and internships.

But remember, when choosing a history program, it's also important to consider what specific area of history you are most interested in, whether that's U.S. history, world history, military history, ancient history, etc. Reviewing the faculty profiles and course offerings can give you an insight into whether the school has professors who specialize in your area of interest and if it offers relevant classes.

Last but not least, if possible, try to visit the campuses or talk to current students or alumni to get an authentic feel for the different history departments. This will also help you to understand if the overall environment and culture of the university are a good fit for you.

In terms of applying, the UC application filing period is October 1 to November 30, while private schools like Stanford and USC usually have a deadline of January 1 for Regular Decision applications. Good luck!