Major in History
The history major is organized into introductory survey courses, topical upper-level courses, methodology courses, and senior seminars, taken in sequence. History majors may also select other programs, certificates, minors, and/or second majors that reflect their personal and career interests.
History Major Requirements
A major in history consists of a minimum of 10 courses:
- Three 1000-level courses
- Five courses numbered above 3010
- Two additional courses (one from each group listed below)
Select One Course from Either:
Note: Students may choose to take both HIST 3000 and HIST 3010 and only four courses numbered above 3010.
Select One Course from Either:
- HIST 5950 (the Senior Seminar) or
- HIST 5010 (the Senior Honors Essay)
Senior seminars provide the capstone experience in the major. In them, students practice and polish previously learned skills and experiences to produce a significant historical research paper. Outstanding students may choose to write a Senior Honors Essay rather than taking the Senior Seminar. These students apply to work with a faculty adviser (in the spring of the junior year), write a significant research paper based on primary source materials, and present it to the department for consideration.