History Major, B.A.

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Department of History

College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Available Program Format(s): In-Person

About the Program

Everything has a history. From sugar to science, from the Colosseum in Rome to the ruins of Mesa Verde. MSU Denver History students study our complex past in small class settings with world-class historians and dedicated teachers. The major includes thirty-nine (39) credits of courses beyond the General Studies Historical requirement across different world regions, themes, and time periods. For maximum flexibility, many courses are available in both the on-campus and/or remote setting. Our students develop breadth while refining their critical thinking and research skills. The History Department believes in the power of a university education to liberate minds, and we are resolute in our service to students from traditionally marginalized communities. We hope you will join us as we explore the rich and complicated history of humans through time around the globe.

Student Outcomes

Locate sources– Demonstrate the ability to locate sources when information is needed, and to evaluate the authenticity, validity, and reliability of resources applied to a specific purpose.
Communicate in writing– Communicate in writing with an awareness of audience, by using language conventions appropriate to the occasion and task.
Employ historical knowledge– Demonstrate historical knowledge of the United States, the world, and major regions of the world.
Understand context– Demonstrate, using historical sources, how context and contingency influence change over time.
Interpret evidence– Develop an effective historical interpretation and marshal primary and/or secondary source evidence to support it.

General Degree Requirements

To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.

Program Requirements

A total of 120 credit hours are required for graduation at MSU Denver
All students should check with a departmental advisor to make a proper selection of courses.
Students majoring in History must have at least a 2.0 average in their History courses to graduate. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.
Students majoring in History must also have a minor.
Students interested in teaching History or other Social Studies subjects in secondary schools should instead consult the History Major with Secondary Social Studies Licensure in this catalog.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits

Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.

Written Communication (6 credits)
Oral Communication (3 credits)
Quantitative Literacy (3 credits)
Arts and Humanities (6 credits)
Historical (3 credits)
Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits)
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits

Students should consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ Requirement for degree completion.
Many programs include courses that meet this requirement. Students should consult with their advisor to determine what program courses may fulfill this requirement.

History Major Core: 12 credits

Students should complete four (4) introductory courses in History from the list below, one of which will also count for the Historical General Studies requirement.

HIS 1005 - Ancient Civilizations Credits: 3
HIS 1030 - World History to 1500 Credits: 3
HIS 1035 - The Medieval World Credits: 3
HIS 1040 - World History since 1500 Credits: 3
HIS 1045 - Europe, Renaissance to the Present Credits: 3
HIS 1150 - Multicultural America Credits: 3
HIS 1210 - American History to 1865 Credits: 3
HIS 1220 - American History since 1865 Credits: 3
HIS 1250 - China and East Asia Credits: 3
HIS 1270 - India and South Asia Credits: 3
HIS 1300 - Introduction to Latin American History Credits: 3
HIS 1600 - Women in World History Credits: 3
HIS 1700 - Nature and Society Credits: 3
HIS 1940 - Survey of African History Credits: 3

History Major Electives: 27 credits

Besides the required Core courses, students must take 27 credits of electives in History selected in consultation with an advisor. At least 18 of the 27 credits must be upper-division (3000 or 4000 level) courses. Included in those credits must be at least THREE credits in American History (HIS 3400-3699), at least THREE credits in European History (HIS 3100-3399), and at least THREE credits in World History (HIS 3700-3799). The department recommends that students take a Historical Writing and Thinking course (HIS 3000-3050).

Senior Experience: 3 credits

HIS 4820 - Senior Seminar Credits: 3

Summary of Requirements

General Studies Requirements	33 credits
ESSJ Requirement	0-3 credits
History Major Core	12 credits
History Major Electives	27 credits
Senior Experience	3 credits
Minor and Unrestricted Electives	42-57 credits
Total for the History Major, B.A.	120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.