Bachelor of Arts in History

Undergraduate Degree in History

The Undergraduate degree with a History major is designed to be very flexible. Since only two courses are specifically required for the degree (the third-year History Methods and fourth-year Proseminar courses), this allows you to tailor the History major to align with your own interests. Our faculty will work with you to craft a comprehensive program of study in order to ensure that you get as much as possible out of your time at UW. The Department also strongly encourages our majors to pursue a minor (or even a second major) in a field that will provide a complementary skill set to the History major. Popular options include Computer Science, Economics, Geography, Political Science, and foreign languages. In today's competitive job market it is important to master a variety of skills, and the flexibility of the major makes it easy to complete a minor or even a double major in four years of study.

Specific Requirements for the History major

Two required courses (6 hours):

1. HIST 3020, Historical Methods

We recommend taking this course early Junior year

Prerequisites to register for HIST 3020 are junior standing, 12 hours of History courses at the 1000-2000 level, and a COM-1 course

2. HIST 4030, Senior Capstone Seminar

We recommend taking this course early Senior year

Prerequisite to register for HIST 4030 is HIST 3020

Lower-Division Electives (12 hours) & Upper-Division Electives (15 hours):

Students must complete 12 hours of History courses at the 1000-2000 level and 15 hours of History courses at the 3000-4000 level. Students are encouraged to take courses in both non-Western Civilization content area and in US-Western Civilization content.

Elective: any level (3 hours):

One additional History course at any level.

Language (12 hours):

Students must complete three semesters of a single foreign language or the equivalent as determined by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages. This requirement may be satisfied by American Sign Language.

Cards Carousel Slider

Public History Concentration

Combined with the History B.A. requirements, students can declare a Public History Concentration. 

Public History Concentration

Minor in History

Thinking about a minor in history or museum studies?

History Minor Requirements

Teach History

History and Social Studies Education

Concurrent Majors with a Teaching Certification

Elective Internship

Earn course credit for an optional internship.

History Internship FAQ

Additional Resources

Please see the University Catalog for History course titles and descriptions. 

University Catalog

 

Forms to declare a major or minor are available online from the Office of the Registrar. The "Change of Major" form can be used to change your major and/or minor. It is now available to be submitted as a secure online form.

Student Petitions and Forms

Students listening intently during class