History - Diplomatic History
The History: Diplomatic History Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of international relations, diplomacy, and the historical contexts that have shaped global affairs. The curriculum integrates historical analysis, international relations, political theory, archival research, and research methodology, enabling students to critically evaluate diplomatic strategies, understand geopolitical developments, and analyze the social, economic, and political forces behind historical events. Students engage in archival research, applied projects, and seminars, cultivating analytical, interpretive, and critical thinking skills essential for professional or academic careers in history, international relations, government, or policy research.
Throughout the program, students participate in workshops, field studies, and experiential learning guided by faculty experts in diplomatic history, political science, and historical research. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary analysis, applied research, and historical reasoning, preparing graduates to interpret historical events, evaluate diplomatic decisions, and contribute to research or policy initiatives. Students leave the program with research competence, analytical skills, critical reasoning, and historical literacy, fully prepared for careers or advanced study in history, international relations, political science, or archival research.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: History - Diplomatic History
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: History
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Diplomatic History
- Introduction to Diplomatic History and International Relations
- Fundamentals of Historical Research and Analysis
- World History Survey
- Research Methods and Critical Thinking
Year 2 – Intermediate Study in Global Diplomacy
- Modern International Relations and Diplomacy
- Geopolitical History and Case Studies
- Applied Research Projects in Diplomatic Contexts
- Electives: Economic History, Political Theory, or Cultural Studies
Year 3 – Advanced Analysis and Applied Research
- Foreign Policy and International Decision-Making
- Seminar in Historical Case Studies of Diplomacy
- Applied Projects in Archival and Historical Research
- Electives: Global Security, International Law, or Regional Studies
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Contemporary Diplomatic History Topics
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Internship or Applied Project in Research Institutions, Government Agencies, or Policy Think Tanks
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Diplomatic History program are prepared for careers in government and foreign service, policy research, international organizations, academia, archival and historical research, and consulting. Alumni may work as diplomats, policy analysts, researchers, educators, or pursue graduate studies in history, international relations, political science, or public policy. The program equips graduates to evaluate historical events, interpret diplomatic strategies, and apply analytical skills to global and policy-related challenges. With strong research, analytical, and historical reasoning skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic environments focused on diplomatic analysis, policy development, and applied historical research.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of historical analysis, diplomatic study, applied research, and interdisciplinary exploration within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, archival research, and experiential projects that connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications in history, policy, and international relations. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving, preparing graduates to interpret complex historical events, develop research-based insights, and contribute meaningfully to professional and academic initiatives. For students passionate about history, diplomacy, and international relations, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
