BA Honors in History
Interested in the Honors Degree in History?
Here are some of the opportunities our program offers: you’ll become part of a small cohort of students who share similar interests and talents; you’ll research and write a major project that reflects your main historical interests; you’ll work closely with a faculty mentor; you’ll be able to take more History courses than allowed under the regular BA.
And think of the future! The valuable skills learned from extensive research and writing will be advantageous to those who plan to pursue more advanced studies after the BA. In fact, the accomplishment of completing an advanced degree will strengthen applications to graduate school, law school and other professional programs. In general, the extensive academic experience you will gain from History Honors will be beneficial for wherever your life’s journey may take you.
The deadline to apply is March 1. As soon as possible after admission to the Honors
program, students should contact the History Honors Adviser for guidance and support.
A full description of the Honors History program and requirements related to Honors may be found in the Calendar.
In addition to consulting the Calendar, interested students should also review the following answers to frequently asked questions.
What are the admission and promotion requirements?
To enter the Honors History program, students must have a minimum 3.3 GPA and an average of at least 3.3 in their History courses. Students must maintain these minimums to continue in the Honors History program.
When should you apply?
Ideally, students should apply early in their degrees, bearing in mind the application deadline of MARCH 1. Students wishing to apply later in their programs (during or after their third year) should consult the History Honors adviser or the Director of Undergraduate Programs for the Department of History, Classics, and Religion.
What are the requirements?
- The Honors History BA requires a minimum of *48 to a maximum of *60 in History (including junior courses)
- A minimum of *12 at the 400-level in History
- At least *42 in History courses level 200 and up
- HIST 290 - Introduction to History as a Discipline
- HIST 497 - Writing History: Contemporary Debates
- HIST 501 - Directed Study: Honors Essay. Students research and write the Honors essay (usually 40-50 pages) under the supervision of a Department faculty member; this is a full-year course worth *6
- In certain circumstances, selected Classics and/or Religious Studies courses are accepted as the equivalent of History courses, subject to the approval of the Honors Advisor. When used in this manner, these courses will be included in the minimum and maximum permitted
- Students must also complete the Faculty of Arts requirements for the BA Honors degree
Can I do a Combined Honors program in History?
Yes! Students may pursue a Combined Honors program in History and another discipline. The common requirements in a Combined Honors program are the same as for other Honors programs.
A Combined Honors degree in History and another discipline requires:
- A minimum of *42 in History, including at least *36 at the senior level and at least *9 at the 400 level
- A minimum of *36 in the other discipline
- HIST 290 - Introduction to History as a Discipline
- HIST 497 - Writing History: Contemporary Debates
- HIST 501 - Directed Study: Honors Essay. Students research and write the Honors essay (usually 40-50 pages) under the supervision of a Department faculty member; this is a full-year course worth *6. While HIST 501 is normally required, with the Advisor's approval, HIST 501 may be replaced with *6 in History if the student will be completing an Honors essay in the other discipline. With special permission, a Combined Honors Essay (INT D 520) may also be permitted in lieu of HIST 501
- In a combined Honors program, students must meet the promotion and graduation standards of each discipline