Bachelor of Arts in History

Program Scope: History is the study of change in human societies over time. Undergraduates majoring in history may select advanced courses focusing upon the entire range of life within a nation or region during a given time period, or courses dealing with some specialized aspect of life (social history, economic history, etc.), or courses which explore the concepts and methodology of historical research and analysis. Career Outlook: The history program provides training for those interested in a teaching credential, for those preparing to do graduate work in several fields, and for those who might go on to law school or seek employment in areas such as government service, archival work, and the business sector. Fields of Study (24 units) Option I: Students should complete 12 upper division units in one field of study and 6 upper division units in each of two other fields of study. U.S. History must be one of the three fields. Option II: Students may complete 6 units in each of the three fields of study, distributed geographically as above, and 6 elective units, so long as a minimum of 12 units fall under a theme approved on departmental advisement such as Empire and Imperialism; Gender, Sexuality and the Body; Religion and Society; or the Pre-modern World (applicable courses are listed in the department’s Undergraduate Advising Booklet). Note: A minimum of 40 upper division units must be completed for the degree (including upper division units required for the major, general education, electives, etc.). A student can complete this major yet not attain the necessary number of upper division units required for graduation. In this case additional upper division courses will be needed to reach the required total. All history majors must include at least one proseminar (HIST 640, HIST 642, or HIST 644). This seminar should be taken after HIST 300GW and should preferably be in the primary field, although it may be in any field of emphasis. Twenty seven of the 39 units required for the major must be upper division. History majors cannot choose CR/NC grading in more than two history courses for their major, nor elect CR/NC grading in HIST 300GW or their proseminar. With the consent of their advisor, students may offer up to six units from other departments to count toward their history major. Complementary Studies: All candidates for the Bachelor of Arts in History are required to complete 12 units of complementary studies. The History department will accept complementary studies in any of four distinct paths outlined below from courses with a prefix other than HIST, and not cross-listed with HIST. These units can be earned in residence at San Francisco State, in a Study Abroad Program, or transferred. Within an established minor students will satisfy complementary studies by completing 12 units from a single minor. Of these 12 units, a maximum of 6 units may be lower division. Foreign Language Students must complete 12 units in a single foreign language. Study Abroad Students must successfully pass 12 units with any prefix on a CSU or SF State supported study abroad program. Flexibility Option Students, in consultation with an advisor, may choose 12 upper division units in courses with a prefix other than HIST, and not cross-listed with HIST.