History Overview

General Information
The Department of History offers undergraduate majors and minors which provide a strong background in American history and world history. In addition to the required core courses, as a history student you may choose courses from four areas: United States, African-American, and world history. Although some introductory and upper division courses are offered in the evening, most courses that satisfy the requirements for a major in history are offered during the day.

Specific Information
The Bachelor of Arts with a major in history (30 required credit hours) will provide students with a solid understanding of American and world history as well as equip the student with research and writing skills. As a history major, you will have a core of required courses but will also be able to select courses in an area of your particular interest.

A minor in history (20 credit hours) provides students with a solid base in American and world history.

The history requirements for elementary and secondary teaching certification are specifically created for those students who plan to teach history in high school.

Career Information
Through the study of history, students not only gain an understanding of past human activities, but they also develop skills in research, writing, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. This background will prepare the student for success in a variety of careers including government service, teaching, law, business, journalism, and museum and archival management. 

Special Elements of the Program
Detroit Emphasis: the department offers several courses that examine aspects of the history of Detroit: HIS 310 (Metro Detroit Through Three Centuries), HIS 330 (Michigan: History and Politics), and HIS 496 (Senior Research Seminar).

Awards
The Jorge Castellanos Award is an annual award given to a history major for academic excellence and demonstrated ability in research and writing. The award is given at the College’s annual Honors Convocation.