The history curriculum exposes students to a multidimensional analysis of the human past. Knowledge gained through such analysis not only has the intrinsic appeal of any disciplined intellectual inquiry, but also constitutes an indispensable basis for active citizenship and for critical thinking about the society in which the student lives.

Historical training at the undergraduate level leads to personal and social awareness within the rich tradition of the liberal arts. It also provides students an ideal preparation for a wide range of careers and further professional study.

Students in the program can take advantage of a wide range of courses with thematic, topical, national or chronological emphases to fulfill requirements and electives.

Degree requirements – Bachelor of Arts in History
Collateral requirements
Honors in history

Degree requirements – Bachelor of Arts in History

The Bachelor of Arts in History requires a minimum of 120 credits, with at least 36 of those credits in history. In addition to the undergraduate requirements and those of the college, the student majoring in history must complete the following:
   1.   12 credits in 100-level history area survey courses (six credits may be applied to the College of Humanities and Sciences general education requirements).
   2.   HIST 300 Introduction to Historical Study with a “C” grade or better prior to enrolling in more than six credits of 300- or 400-level history courses.
   3.   24 credits in history courses at the 300-400 level.
   4.   Three credits from among HIST 461, 462, 483, 485, 486, 490, 493.
   5.   At least six credits from each of three areas:
     a) Europe.
     b) United States.
     c) Africa, Asia, Latin America or the Middle East.

Collateral requirements

In addition to the history courses required for the Bachelor of Arts degree, students must complete the study of a foreign language through the intermediate level (202 or 205) by course or placement.

Along with completion of general education requirements of the College of Humanities and Sciences for the Bachelor of Arts degree and undergraduate requirements, students may choose approved electives from any courses offered by the College of Humanities and Sciences and the schools of the Arts, Business and Education.

Students should consult with their advisers each semester to design a program that meets these requirements and suits their interests and career objectives.

Honors in history

To earn a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in history students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or a 3.0 average for their junior year, with at least a 3.3 GPA in history courses. Students also must have completed an honors paper in history. See the department adviser or chair for information about the paper requirements. Official certification of the award will be presented to students upon their graduation.