Course Planning

History Major - Planning

Course planning advice here is limited to majors. For a full description of degree requirements, please see this overview of the Academic Program and refer to the Catalog for details and official rules. Any discrepancy between the Course Planning Pages and the Catalog will be resolved in favor of the Catalog.

Possible Degree Path – starting in the first year. The following is a typical major plan. This is not the only way forward. Please consult with your advisor to create your unique path.

  Fall Semester Spring Semester
First Year

1 -2 Any 100- or 200 – level HIST course

Sophomore

At least 2 HIST courses (any level)

Historiography (HIST 300, Spring)

Junior

3-4 HIST courses (at least 2 at the 300-level or above)

Senior

3-4 HIST courses (at least 1 at the 300-level or above)

Senior Capstone Seminar (HIST 480, spring)

Possible Degree Path – starting in the second year. The following is a typical plan to complete this major. Please consult with your advisor or a member of the Department to create your unique path.

  Fall Semester Spring Semester
First Year -
Sophomore

3-4 HIST courses (any level)

Junior

At least 4 HIST courses (at least 2 at the 300-level or above)

Historiography (HIST 300, Spring)

Senior

3- 4 HIST courses (at least 1 at the 300-level or above)

Senior Capstone Seminar (HIST 480, spring)

Planning Recommendations:

  • History majors should consult the Catalog to select classes that fulfill departmental geographic distribution and level requirements.
  • All history majors need to take Historiography (HIST 300) by the end of their junior year. History majors who plan to study abroad in the spring of their junior year should take Historiography (HIST 300) during the spring of their sophomore year.
  • Majors should take at least one research-intensive course prior to the spring of their senior year in preparation for the Senior Capstone Seminar (HIST 480). Academic advisors can help majors identify classes that have a strong research component, such as Advanced Research and Writing (HIST 450).