As part of the liberal arts mission of the university, the history major guides us to understand the bearing of the past on the present and to appreciate the historical character of human inquiry in exploring the principal philosophical, religious, political, literary, and aesthetic traditions of Western and world culture.
History majors will demonstrate a basic knowledge of World, European, and American history during their studies. They will also demonstrate mastery of research and writing skills in a capstone research paper in an upper level History course. Students with the BA degree in history will be prepared to use their knowledge, research and writing skills in pursuit of advanced degrees and in careers related to history, such as law, journalism, education, librarianship, archival work, museum studies, government, and many more careers where liberally educated graduates are inclined.
Bachelor's Degree Requirements
The following overall requirements are needed in order to earn a bachelor's degree. For a full explanation of the requirements, please see policy A.04.01.
- Completion of the core curriculum. Specific core plan is dependent upon accepted transfer credit, major, and Honor's Program participation.
- Successful completion of at least 120 credit hours, with the final 36 hours taken in Residence at UST. Total credits listed on the page only reflect the major.
- Completion of a major.
- Completion of 36 upper-division credit hours.
- A cumulative grade point average (GPA) above 2.0
- A cumulative GPA above 2.0 in your major
- Freshman Symposium is a one-credit hour, mandatory course exclusively for first-year students at the University of St. Thomas, introducing them to the UST mission and the Basilian Fathers’ core values of goodness, discipline, and knowledge. Freshmen register for it during the Freshmen Registration/Orientation events and can choose a class that aligns with their interests, with course descriptions provided in advance.
History Survey
Complete HISTC 1301 and either HIST 2333/2334 or HIST 1335/1336
US History
Choose one course from the following:
European History
Complete one of the following courses:
Global History
Complete one of the following courses:
Historiography
Complete one of the following courses.
History Electives
Choose 12 additional credit hours of 3000-4000 level history courses. Up to 6 hours of upper level Art History courses are allowed to fulfill this requirement.
History Capstone Requirement
Verify the completion of a History capstone research paper, 3hr study abroad, or 3hr internship course.