Academic Program

The major program in history provides students with an understanding of the human experience through the analysis of evidence derived from both the recent and more distant past. As history majors, students learn essential skills, understand the breadth and similarities of the human experience, and acquire specific geographical and thematic knowledge. A degree in history provides excellent preparation for careers in education, journalism, media, government, law, business, and international affairs---all of which are careers that utilize the history major's expertise in discovering, organizing, and analyzing the forces that shape the contemporary world.

History Major Requirements

• Four lower-division courses, which may include HIST 11A and 12A
• Nine upper-division courses, encompassing:
  • HIST 100S
  • HIST 101S (prerequisite: HIST 100S)
  • Six other upper-division courses
  • One Seminar course (apart from HIST 100S and 101S) taken after the student has completed 115 quarter units
• Geographic breadth requirement: at least one course in four of the following fields:
  • Global
  • Americas (US & Latin)
  • Europe
  • East and South Asia
  • Africa and West Asia
• An optional senior project (HIST 197), which makes one eligible for Honors in History, may be taken as one of the required upper-division courses

History Minor Requirements

• Seven history courses, at least four of which must be upper-division

To declare or change a major, minor, or emphasis, fill out the SCU Registrar's Program Petition form.