The major of history is established in the Department of History, which is further divided into normal and non-normal majors. The mission of the normal major is to cultivate history teachers for Beijing's secondary schools while the non-normal major, which is approved by Ministry of Education and serves as the State Scientific Research Base for Cultivation of History Talents, aims at cultivating talents engaged in history research and teaching through the implementation of a successive training program covering graduate, postgraduate and Ph. D.

Furthermore, the non-normal major involves two parts: first, Beijing Municipal Culture Development and Management, aiming at fostering and providing comprehensive talents for Beijing, who specialize in modern city's cultural development and management; secondly, World History, which is expected to cultivate special talents that major in world history and have profound knowledge in foreign languages. The department possesses post-Ph.D station for History, and two Ph.D degree authorization (one for China Ancient History and another for World History), and seven Master's degree authorization (for Chinese Ancient History, Chinese Modern History, World History, Special History, Theory of History, Historical Documents, History Course and Teaching Theory). There are currently 24 post-Ph.D and 61 master post-graduates in the department, and there is a strong teaching force consisting of 38 teachers, among which 17 are professors, 13 are associate professors, and 8 are qualified tutors of postgraduate candidates, 16 are qualified tutors of postgraduate candidates.

Also, the department has several reputable and influential experts in history, and a group of middle-aged scholars of great attainments and young teachers with great potentials. In recent years, the department has undertaken 33 State and Beijing's key scientific research projects, won 15 State-and Municipal-level awards for excellent scientific research achievements. Its History Academic Institution is to conduct research on Science of History, with such research sections established as China Ancient Social and Economic History, China Modern Ideology History, World Ancient and Middle Age History, Contemporary International Relationship. A large quantity of books, papers, magazines and relics in reading room and relics room of the Department of History will offer service for teaching and research. In addition, students here enjoy favorable conditions, since the department also provides special multi-media room, computer room, and students' reading room. There are bases in the Palace Museum, in Beijing Municipal Archives and in Xi'an, etc.