Bachelor of Arts Degree in History

The B.A. in history requires a minimum of 120 credits, with at least 36 of those credits in history.  This concentration of 36 history credits must include the following:

  • 12 credits in 100-level area survey courses (6 credits may be applied to the College of Humanities and Sciences general education requirements)

  • History 300 (with a grade of "C" or better prior to enrolling in more than 6 credits of 300- or 400-level history courses)

  • 24 history credits at the 300-400 level

  • 3 credits from among HIS 461, 462, 483, 485, 486, 490, 493

  • 6 credits from each of three areas:  (1) Europe, (2) United States, (3) Africa, Asia, Latin America, or Middle East

  • Completion of the study of a foreign language through the intermediate level (2 semesters at the 200 level or the equivalent)

  • Curriculum requirements: see VCU University College Academic Advising website for details.

2008-2009 Graduation worksheet (enrolled 2008 or later)

2007-2008 Graduation worksheet (enrolled prior to 2008)

Approved Course List

Students must also complete the general education requirements of the College of Humanities and Sciences for the BA degree.  Additional electives may be chosen from any courses offered by the College of Humanities and Sciences and the Schools of the Arts, Business, and Education.

Transfer students should consult the Transfer Guide provided by the University College. Click here for the guide.
Extended Teacher Preparation Program

Through the Extended Teacher Preparation Program students interested in teaching early childhood/elementary, middle, secondary or special education will complete studies combining the liberal arts and sciences with professional studies in an integrated sequence, typically over a five-year period. Individuals completing the program receive the simultaneous awarding of a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts in a liberal arts and sciences major (english, history, mathematics, biology, etc.), a Master of Teaching, and an endorsement to teach in their chosen field of professional study.

The course of study includes the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements described above, additional specific undergraduate requirements and 33 hours of graduate study as detailed in the Extended Teacher Preparation Program Handbook. Please see page 3 of the handbook, which is a personal record sheet to help you plan your program; and page 41 in Appendix B, which lists broad endorsement courses for History.

For further information, contact June Jones , 804-827-2670, Oliver Hall, 1015 W. Main Street, Richmond, VA.
NEW: Minor in American Studies

The Program in American Studies
Virginia Commonwealth University offers a Minor in American Studies, an interdisciplinary program sponsored by the English and History departments, is devoted to the study of American culture and society.

Click here for more information on the American Studies Program
Minor in History

The minor in history consists of 18 credits, 12 of which must be at the upper level (300-400).  At least one three-credit course must be taken in three of the following regions: Africa, North America, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East.

 
Honors in History

History majors in the BA program may earn a degree with honors in history.   To quality for this program, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or a 3.0 average for their junior year, with at least a 3.3 GPA in history courses.  The student must also complete an honors paper in history.  See the department advisor or chair for information about the paper requirements.
Undergraduate Courses

A complete list of all undergraduate courses offerings appears on the History Courses page on this site.  For course offerings in any given semester, please consult the Schedule of Classes.
For Further Information

Contact Dr. Sascha Auerbach, Undergraduate Advisor in History, 804-828-9932.  For applications, contact Virginia Commonwealth University, Office of Undergraduate Admissions, P.O. Box 843526; Richmond, VA 23284-3526;  804-828-1222.