History, B.A.

The College of Arts and Sciences   Bachelor of Arts in History provides students with a rich and thorough education in United States and global history, assists in developing their academic and professional skills, and provides opportunities to participate in responsible citizenship and democratic engagement. The program emphasizes the development of skills that are essential for success in the workplace and the students’ chosen careers. The curriculum is designed to help students build their skills in critical thinking, oral and written communication, and research and information retrieval. Students graduating from the program will have developed the ability to think clearly and critically and to assess and analyze complex issues and arguments - skills that can be applied to many different occupations, including government work, non-profit work, public policy work, and work in cultural and social service organizations. Some history majors later obtain teacher certification; others pursue graduate studies in the field and become historians.

All students complete the two-semester United States history survey, the two-semester world history survey, a course in public history and civic engagement, and a two-semester capstone, which can include an internship or thesis. In addition, students will complete a track specialization in American studies or global studies, comprising a minimum of twelve credits.

Students who successfully complete a two-semester western civilization survey at another institution may have the requirement of the two-semester world history survey waived.