Why Study History?

“History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future.”

- Robert Penn Warren


The study of History allows students to put facts and specific information into a broader context. The past is far more important than names and dates. It enriches the study of all other disciplines.

Majoring in History

The History major is a 36 credit major which provides a base foundation in U.S., global and themes in history, allowing the student to specialize in regional areas, global and comparative themes in history, or U.S. history, as the major progresses from freshman to senior year. A methods and writing seminar is required of all majors, as is a capstone senior research seminar. Students have the option of applying to the School of Education for teacher certification, as well as applying to the History Honors Program and working with faculty in independent study courses and student-faculty research collaboration.


The History major consists of a minimum of 36 credits:
  1. 6 credits from 100-level history courses (101, 102, 176, 177).

  2. 9 credits from 200-level history courses. The 9 credits should be distributed according to the following guidelines:

    1. At least 3 credits from 200-level Global or Comparative history courses (201-215).

    2. At least 3 credits from 200-level Regional history courses (216-275).

  3. History 300.

  4. 15 credits from 300-level history courses. The 15 credits should be distributed according to the following guidelines:

    1. At least 3 credits from 300-level Global or Comparative history courses (301-315).

    2. At least 3 credits from 300-level Regional history courses (316-375).

    3. At least 3 credits from 300-level U.S. history courses (376-395).

  5. History 489 or 490.

A listing of courses and course descriptions is available at the University Catalog.

Four Year Sequence
Fall I
 Credits
History 101/102 or 176-177
 3
General Ed. Requirements
 12
Total
 15
Spring II
 Credits
History 101/102 or 176-177
 3
General Ed. Requirements
 12
Total
 15
Fall III
 Credits
200 level regional or global
 3
Remaining core history class
 3
General Ed. Requirements
 9
Total
 15
Spring IV
 Credits
History 300
 3
History 100 or 200 level core
 3
Remaining Gen. Ed. Requirements
 9-12
Total
 15
Fall V
 Credits
300 level History electives
 6
300 level electives/minor/BFSS
 9
Total
 15
Spring VI
 Credits
300 level History electives
 3
300 level Electives/minor/BFSS
 12
Total
 15
Fall VII
 Credits
300 level History electives
 6-9
300 level Electives/minor/BFSS
 9-12
Total
 15-18
Spring VIII
 Credits
History 489/490
 3
300 level History electives
 3-6
Electives/minor/BFSS
 9-12
Total
 15-18