Bachelor in History (Bachelor's)

Tuition fees are 69,030 USD per year.

This program is an independent research track within the History major, requiring students to complete a year-long thesis project under faculty supervision. Students engage in original research using primary and secondary sources to develop a focused historical argument. The program emphasizes methodological rigor, regular faculty feedback, and peer review through small group meetings. Students must submit revised proposals, draft chapters, and a final thesis of 80 to 100 pages or more.

Students complete a senior honors thesis worth 6 credits, replacing the standard senior seminar. The program includes three fall meetings, one spring meeting, and ongoing advisor consultations. A final thesis and oral examination by outside examiners are required.

Graduates enter roles in academic research, archival work, policy analysis, or further study in history and related humanities fields.

Students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA in history courses and a 3.33 overall GPA. They must complete the methods seminar HIST 387 before their senior year. Proposals must be submitted by early August and include a preliminary bibliography and research plan.

On-campus, full-time, one academic year (fall and spring semesters). For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 31% of applicants.

Kenyon’s campus and village share Gambier, Ohio, and are connected by Middle Path. Students live on campus for all four years in residence halls, suites and apartments, with options including themed, gender-inclusive and substance-free housing. Peirce, the historic dining hall, serves as a central meeting place, while clubs, performances, lectures, multicultural celebrations and student organizations extend residential life. The Snowden Multicultural Center supports discussions, films, performances and special meals.

Kenyon offers more than 50 majors, minors and concentrations, with options to double major or design an individual major. Students choose one or more majors by the end of sophomore year and complete a senior capstone. Writing is part of every course of study: students read widely, write often and practice communicating with confidence. Opportunities include work with the Kenyon Review, science and nature writing, student literary magazines and The Kenyon Collegian. Faculty advising has been formal at Kenyon since 1841; students are paired with an advisor before arrival and later work with a major advisor.

International learning is integrated into the curriculum. Students from 53 countries contribute perspectives to the community, while globally connected courses link Kenyon classes with related courses at institutions outside the United States. More than 250 immersive study-abroad programs span 50+ countries, alongside signature programs in England and Italy and travel-embedded courses. Nearly half of each junior class participates in an off-campus learning opportunity. Merit scholarships, talent awards and need-based aid are available, and Kenyon commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need.