History majors learn to analyze and draw objective conclusions. While history is the study and interpretation of past events, the research and analytical skills learned in history courses are applicable in nearly every field of professional endeavor. Traditionally, history majors have also been employed in historical site interpretation, research, historic preservation, or archival and museum work. Many history majors also find careers in the electronic and print media, politics, government service, non-profit organizations, and lobbying, among other areas. In addition to developing an understanding of history, a history degree builds and enhances required academic skills for successful completion of graduate study or law school, making the history degree a preferred pre-law major.
Students are not permitted to use courses in which a grade of D was earned to satisfy requirements specific to the history program.
Curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in History
History majors learn to analyze and draw objective conclusions. While history is the study and interpretation of past events, the research and analytical skills learned in history courses are applicable in nearly every field of professional endeavor. Traditionally, history majors have also been employed in historical site interpretation, research, historic preservation, or archival and museum work. Many history majors also find careers in the electronic and print media, politics, government service, non-profit organizations, and lobbying, among other areas. In addition to developing an understanding of history, a history degree builds and enhances required academic skills for successful completion of graduate study or law school, making the history degree a preferred pre-law major.
Students are not permitted to use courses in which a grade of D was earned to satisfy requirements specific to the history program.
Core IMPACTS (Credit: 42 hours)
Field of Study: Lower Division Major Requirements (Credit: 18 hours)
Field of Study Requirements (Credit: 15 hours)
All Required Field of Study courses must be completed with a “C” or better.
US History (HIST 2111 or HIST 2112) – whichever not taken in “Political Science and U.S. History” area of Core IMPACTS
Field of Study Electives Credit: 3 hours
Choose elective options from the following disciplines: ANTH, COMM, CSCI, ECON, EDUC, ENGL, FREN, GEOG, HIST, HUMN, ITEC, KOR, MATH, PHIL, NMAC, POLS, PSYC, SOCI, or SPAN.*
*Institutional Priority Courses (former Area B courses) are not permitted. Substitutions may be granted at the discretion of the department chair.
Upper Level Courses (Credit: 60 hours)
Area I: Required Courses (Credit: 30 hours)
In addition to the US History Core Curriculum course (HIST 2111 or HIST 2112), students must choose two of the following courses: HIST 1111, HIST 1112, HIST 2111, or HIST 2112. If these courses are completed elsewhere in the curriculum (i.e. between citizenship, social science, and Field of Study) students may choose any elective course(s). Students must earn a 'C' or better in these courses.*
Students must complete the following courses, earning a 'C' or better. Students may take either HIST 4930 or HIST 4940.
* Institutional Priority courses (former Area B courses) are not permitted.
| HIST 3020 | Religions in World History | 3 credits |
| HIST 3480 | Europe in the 19th Century | 3 credits |
| HIST 3930 | History of Georgia | 3 credits |
| HIST 4010 | The Atlantic World | 3 credits |
| HIST 4020 | Technology, Environment and Empire | 3 credits |
| HIST 4030 | Histories of Colonization | 3 credits |
| HIST 4700 | Multicultural America | 3 credits |
| | |
| HIST 4930 | Research Seminar in American History | 3 credits |
| OR | |
| HIST 4940 | Research Seminar in Non-US History | 3 credits |
Area II Major Electives/Concentrations (Credit: 18-27 hours)
At the time of admission or declaration of a History major, students will select one of the four Concentrations below (Generalist, Documentary Film, Public History, or Secondary Education).
Generalist Concentration (Credit: 18 hours)
Choose 9 credits from the US history and 9 credits from Non-US history list.
US History (Credit: 9 hours)
Take 3 courses from the following list, earning a 'C' or better.
Non-US History (Credit: 9 hours)
Take 3 courses from the following list, earning a 'C' or better.
Documentary Film Concentration (Credit: 18 hours)
Required Courses (Credit: 12 hours)
Students must complete the following courses, earning a 'C' or better.
Electives (Credit: 6 hours)
Any Georgia Film Academy (GFA) course or any 3000- or 4000-level History (HIST) class.
Public History Concentration (Credit: 18 hours)
Students must complete the listed courses with a 'C' or better.
Public History Courses (Credit: 15 hours)
Students must complete five of the listed courses with a 'C' or better.
HIST 4110 may either be taken as a course that is part of the concentration or as a substitute for the History Internship.
Public History Field Courses (Credit: 3 hours)
HIST 4110 may either be taken as a course that is part of the concentration or as a substitute for the History Internship.
Course must be completed with a "C" or better.
History Secondary Education Certification Track (Credit: 27 hours)
The Secondary Education Certification track provides a pathway for students interested in teaching grades 6-12.
With the adoption of GaPSC Rule 505-3-.03, Foundations of Reading, Literacy, and Language, all individuals seeking initial certification must pass a GACE assessment to demonstrate competency in the Science of Reading, in addition to the GACE for their chosen subject.
MGA Graduation Requirements for the Secondary Education Certification Track:
Students beginning the Secondary Education Track on or after June 1, 2025, must attempt the GACE Fundamentals of the Science of Reading Assessment prior to graduation.
For additional information, please access the Secondary Education Certification track section of the Department of Teacher Education and Social Work.
| EDUC 3100 | Reading in Multiple Literacies | 3 credits |
| SPED 3110 | Introduction to the Exception Learner | 3 credits |
| EDUC 3520 | Classroom Management | 2 Credits |
| EDUC 4120 | Integrated Secondary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment | 3 credits |
| EDUC 4130 | Methods in Content Area | 4 credits |
| EDUC 4140 | Practicum | 3 credits |
| EDUC 4150 | Clinical | 9 credits |
*Students apply for the Secondary Education Certification track during the spring semester of their junior year.
Area III: Open Electives (Credit: 3-12 hours)
Any course 1000-level or higher in any discipline.*
*Institutional Priority courses (former Area B courses) are not permitted.