COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in History program provides students with a well-rounded and flexible academic structure designed to build strong analytical, research, and communication skills. The degree requires a total of 120 units, including 25 units of lower division general education, 9 units of upper division general education, and 50 units dedicated to major coursework. Students must also complete 6 units of American Institutions requirements, 2 units of physical education, and a 3-unit writing requirement (GWAR/WID), typically fulfilled through the History Writers’ Workshop course. In addition, 28 units are allocated to university electives or an optional minor, allowing students to customize their academic experience based on personal interests or career goalsThe major itself begins with foundational lower division courses, including History Fundamentals and a sequence in either World History or Western Civilization, which introduce students to key historical themes and methods. At the upper division level, students complete core courses such as Historiography and advanced writing, which emphasize critical thinking, interpretation of sources, and academic writing skills. A significant portion of the program consists of field of study courses, where students must complete 34 units across four major areas: Ancient & Medieval, Europe, United States, and World History. This ensures a broad and balanced understanding of global historical developments. Additionally, students are required to take at least two courses focused on pre-1750 history, reinforcing knowledge of early historical periods.Overall, the program is designed to provide both depth and breadth, encouraging students to explore diverse historical perspectives while developing transferable skills. The flexibility in electives and course selection allows students to tailor their studies toward careers in education, law, public service, business, or research, making the History BA a versatile and valuable degree.