History (BA)

Explore how people thought, lived, and shaped the world across cultures, places, and time in Wilfrid Laurier University's Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History. Starting your first year, you'll study the periods, people, events, and places that interest you most, from cultural, art and social history to military, political and criminal history.

You’ll examine the forces behind human events while pursuing studies tailored to your own historical interests. You can also gain hands-on work experience by applying to the accredited Arts co-op program. Graduates pursue careers in education, law, government, research, journalism, project management, public service and related fields.

Program Details

Discover what makes this Laurier program unique and how you'll gain real-world experience.

Why Should I Choose History?

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Explore the Past Through Diverse Historical Perspectives
    Specialize in areas like cultural, global, social, military history, or the history of science, law, and politics, guided by passionate professors who support your academic interests.
  • Engage in Capstone Seminars
    In your final year, you'll take small, discussion-based seminars that bring your History degree to life through deep reading, independent research, and peer collaboration. Whether analyzing major historical themes or producing research papers based on primary sources, you’ll sharpen your critical thinking, writing, and presentation skills, preparing you for your future. 
  • History Teaching Specialization
    The History Teaching Specialization prepares students for future studies in Education and careers teaching at the high school level. Students can also join the History Teaching Residence Learning Community to expand their community.
  • Pathways to Law, Business and Graduate School
    Enhance your BA in History with a conditional offer to a variety of graduate programs. You will have a direct pathway after graduation to study an MA at Laurier, an MBA at Laurier’s Lazaridis School of Business at Economics, or an LLB at the University of Sussex in the UK.

How Will I Gain Real-World Experience?

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more):

  • Apply for Co-op
    Apply to the accredited co-op program to complete three four-month work terms, gaining valuable real-world experience during your studies.
  • Study Abroad
    Enhance your learning with travel courses like the War and Memory summer course, where you'll visit memorials and battlefields across Europe.
  • Build Digital Skills
    Explore Digital Humanities courses to analyze historical and social issues using cutting-edge digital technologies. Gain hands-on experience through research assistantships with History professors and the Laurier Centre for the Study of Canada.
  • Ensure a Supportive Start 
    Ease your transition into university with our first-year courses, AF105S (Skills) and AF105W (Writing). These courses help you build the foundations for academic success, developing key skills in time management, critical thinking, research, and writing. You’ll also be backed by our dedicated Arts Advising team, who offer one-on-one support with course selection and academic planning, ensuring you feel confident, connected, and set up to thrive from your very first term.  

Courses and Program Enhancements

Explore a sample weekly schedule to see what your day-to-day might look like in this program.

What Courses Will I Take?

Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.

How Can I Enhance My Degree? 

Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

Career Options

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

What Jobs Can I Get After Graduation?

Our History (BA) graduates go on to a wide range of rewarding careers. Here are just a few examples:

  • director of communications
  • diversity officer
  • foreign service officer
  • lawyer
  • public policy advisor
  • historical site administrator
  • museum curator
  • politician
  • teacher

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

Explore more careers.

Will I Be Supported After Graduation?

As a Laurier alum, you'll have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

How Does Arts Co-op at Laurier Work?

The Faculty of Arts' accredited co-op program at Wilfrid Laurier University offers two co-op pathways and both give you 12 months of paid career experience before you graduate. 

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Apply in first year: Join the co-op program after you start, then complete three four-month work terms during your studies.
  • Apply direct from high school: Get a head start with direct admission to co-op in select Arts programs, straight from high school.
Both pathways lead to the same strong outcome: 12 months of real-world work experience in your field.  

Interested? Learn more about co-op in the Faculty of Arts.

verticalCenterFlex

99%employment rate for co‑op students – 2025 / 2026

Tuition and Costs

What are the Tuition Fees and Costs for Arts at Laurier?

Below is a breakdown of tuition fees and expenses for Laurier Arts students for one year (or two terms) studying full time. Fees are based on 2026/27 rates and are subject to increase. All fees are shown in Canadian dollars.

Tuition Fees for Arts Students
Fee Type Domestic Students International Students
Tuition $6,180 $36,624
Student Fees $2,133
$4,018 with co-op
$3,082
$4,967 with co-op
Textbook Fees $500 $500

See a full breakdown of your first-year expenses.

Scholarships and Bursaries

When you apply to Laurier you’ll be automatically assessed for entrance scholarships (based on your final admission average) and for in-course scholarships in your upper years (based on your Laurier GPA from the previous academic year). We also offer more than 700 competitive scholarships and awards, which require separate applications and may be awarded throughout the academic year.

Additional Financial Support

  • Get information and advice on eligibility for government assistance (like OSAP) from our Financial Aid office.
  • Apply for bursaries to receive additional support based on financial need and academic performance.
  • Learn money management skills through courses, workshops and financial coaching.
  • Visit the Career Centre for support finding part-time job opportunities.

 

Laurier Arts graduates employed or in post‑graduate studies in 2025

 

Laurier students engaged in hands‑on learning in 2025/26

 

Laurier is among the top 7 percent in the Center for World University Rankings 2026

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot. With more than 60 programs in arts, science, business and music, you can customize your degree, gain hands-on learning opportunities and join in the community beyond the classroom.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

students in a classroom

How Will I Learn in This Program?

This is primarily an in-person program, meaning you'll attend classes on campus and learn face-to-face with professors and classmates. When you register for courses, you'll be able to select from available sections and create your timetable. 
 
In-person delivery gives you direct access to faculty, hands-on learning opportunities and a traditional university student experience.

Subscribe to Emails

Become a Laurier insider to get quick, fun and informative updates along your application journey.

Get in Touch

Have questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548‑889‑8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?