History (Geographic concentration in United States and Canada)
The History program with a geographic concentration in the United States and Canada at the University of Duke offers a focused examination of the political, social, and cultural developments that have shaped North America. Students engage with critical historical events, movements, and ideologies from colonial times to the present, while exploring themes such as democracy, race, migration, war, and economic transformation. This regional focus allows students to build a comprehensive understanding of how the histories of the U.S. and Canada intersect and diverge within broader global contexts.
Throughout the four-year program, students develop strong analytical and interpretive skills by engaging with a wide range of primary and secondary sources. Coursework includes close examination of archival material, historiographical debates, and evolving perspectives on national identity and citizenship. Students are trained to question narratives, analyze cause and consequence, and form evidence-based arguments. This intellectual foundation encourages an appreciation for historical complexity and prepares students for professional pathways where critical thinking and contextual understanding are essential.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: History (Geographic concentration in United States and Canada)
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: Duke University, United States
- Field of Study: Area & Cultural Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Historical Thinking and North American Foundations
• Introduction to Historical Methodology
• Colonial North America
• Modern World History
• Writing in the Historical Discipline
Year 2 – Institutions, Society, and Identity
• U.S. History: Revolution to Reconstruction
• Canadian History: Confederation to Nationhood
• Themes in Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration
• Archival Research and Historical Analysis
Year 3 – Conflict, Culture, and Change
• The Civil War and Its Aftermath
• Canada in the 20th Century
• History of U.S. Foreign Relations
• Elective in Cultural or Social History
Year 4 – Special Topics and Independent Research
• Seminar in North American History
• Senior Thesis or Capstone Research Project
• Comparative Studies: U.S. and Canada
• Elective in Indigenous or Environmental History
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are well-positioned for careers in education, public history institutions, government, and journalism, where historical knowledge and critical insight are highly valued. Many also pursue roles in nonprofit organizations, policy research centers, and cultural institutions, where they contribute to public engagement and decision-making through a historical lens. The program offers strong preparation for graduate study in history, law, public affairs, or library science. With their training in research, argumentation, and source analysis, graduates are equipped to navigate complex societal questions in both academic and applied contexts.
Why Choose This Program
This program combines geographic depth with intellectual rigor, offering students a chance to deeply engage with the histories of the United States and Canada through diverse sources and perspectives. It fosters critical thinking, strong writing, and historical empathy, enabling students to interpret the past with clarity and precision. The faculty bring expertise in a wide range of historical topics and support student inquiry through research mentorship and small seminar settings. Whether you're interested in public service, historical scholarship, or cultural leadership, this program equips you with the skills to understand and shape the narratives that define North American society.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 (919) 684-8111
Email: admissions@duke.edu
Address: University of Duke, Durham, North Carolina, United States
