History - Where to Start?

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.

Where should I start if I am just sampling this subject as a non-major?

First-year students are encouraged to take any 100- or 200-level history course whose topic interests them. Starting sophomore year, non-majors are welcome to consider any of our classes except Historical Research and Writing (HIST 396) and Senior Capstone Seminar (HIST 480).

Where should I start if I might use this as part of a major or as a potential major?

First-year students are encouraged to take any 100- or 200-level history course whose topic interests them. Starting sophomore year, students are welcome to consider any of our classes except Historical Research and Writing (HIST 396) and Senior Capstone Seminar (HIST 480), keeping in mind geographic distribution and level requirements for the major (see Catalog).

Where should I start if I have some experience in this discipline before college?

For advanced placement credits – please refer to Advanced Placement Credits or International Baccalaureate Credits in the College Catalog.
For concurrent high school / college credits – please consult with the Department Chair.

When should I declare a major?

All students must declare a major by March 1st of their sophomore year.