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 take a special seminar just for students in History Honors; 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 what the regular BA allows.

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 such a challenging 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.

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’s information, interested students should also review the following frequently asked questions, whose answers address: requirements (including a language other than English); the possibility of doing a combined honors degree; the length of the final honors essay; and the faculty member to contact.

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 programs.

When should you apply?

Students should apply at the end of their first or second year of study. As stated above, the application deadline is MARCH 1. Students wishing to apply during their third year of study should consult the History Honors adviser or Associate Chair-Undergraduate for guidance.

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 *9 at the 400-level in History
• At least *42 in History courses level 200 and up
• HIST 500, the historiography seminar. Students will usually take this course during their third year; this is a full-year course worth *6
• HIST 501 (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
• Students must satisfy the Department of their ability to read a Language Other than English, usually through the completion of *6 in one senior-level Language Other than English or a translation exam conducted by the Department
• Students may also apply up to *6 of the following courses in Ancient History toward their Honors History BA, except when doing a minor in Classics: CLASS 254, 255, 261, 280, 282, 283, 294, 303, 330, 354*, 355*, 356, 375, 376, 380, 399*, 400*, 463, 473, 478, 480, 481, 499. *Eligible when the topic is on ancient history or archaeology, but not literature
• 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 *6 at the 400 level
• a minimum of *36 in the other discipline
• HIST 500 (*6) Historiography seminar (this is a full-year course)
• HIST 501 (*6) Honors Essay (this is a full-year course); the Honors essay is normally required in the fourth year. However, with the Advisor's approval, this 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
• Students must satisfy the second language requirements of the BA Honors History program
• In a combined Honors program, students must meet the promotion and graduation standards of each discipline
• For a Combined Honors program in History and Classics, students must satisfy the above requirements, completing a minimum of *36 in CLASSICS and/or GREEK and/or LATIN. Classics 500, or a Combined Honors Essay, INT D 520, may be included as *3 of the *36 minimum

We look forward to working with you!