Bachelor of Science in History
This is an exciting time to be studying history. The transition to the 21st century has prompted intense questioning about the past, the future, and the nature of change. Many old certainties and conventional wisdoms have been challenged, and America’s role in an increasingly complex and contentious world demands that we, as citizens, acquire the skills that will allow us to analyze and comprehend that world.
This is precisely what the study of history—of human experience contextualized temporally, culturally, politically, and geographically—is designed to do. The History Department at Washington University offers you the opportunity to examine human experience across time and in a wide variety of cultural, political, regional, and social contexts. The curriculum is global in scope, and students are encouraged to sample courses across time and space while achieving depth of knowledge in selected areas.
Through the major in history, you also can develop important analytic skills used in law, business, communications, and other professions. These skills include the ability to organize and interpret data, to develop logical and convincing arguments, to do research and sift the significant from the insignificant, to read for comprehension, and to write with precision and clarity. Historians aim for a broad understanding of any problem and gain empathy for people in different times, places, and situations.
Requirements for the Major
To major in History you must complete the following:
Introductory Courses (6 units)
One introductory course chosen from:
U16 101 Western Civilization I
U15 102 Western Civilization II
U16 163 Introduction to U.S. History
U16 164 Introduction to World History
One additional introductory course, 100- or 200-level, in History.
Advanced Level Courses (18 units) At least 18 units of 300- or 400-level courses, to include:
At least one course designated “premodern” and one course designated “modern."
At least one course from three of the following geographical areas: Africa, East Asia,
South Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, or the United States.
History 301A, “Historical Methods,” a required methods course for all majors, or an
approved substitute.
All University College undergraduate students must satisfy the same general-education requirements; for information on those, click here. Click here to see the printable Degree Requirement Worksheet.
For University College admission requirements, click here.
For a printable application for admission to the degree program, press here.
For further information on the major in History, call University College in Arts & Sciences at (314) 935-6700, or E-mail ucollege@artsci.wustl.edu.
