Requirements for History Major, Minor and Social Studies at WKU

Here you will find the requirements for the various different programs of study which are possible within the History Department. If you need more information, look at the Frequently Asked Questions list for undergraduate programs. If you do not find an answer there, email the department office or contact us by phone. You may also make an appointment to see the Undergraduate Advisor, Dr. Kathryn Abbot by calling or signing up in the main department office (200 Cherry Hall).

Major in History: The major in history (reference number 695) requires a minimum of 33 semester hours and leads to a bachelor of arts degree. Courses required are HIST 119, 120, 240, 241 and 498. Of the remaining 18 hours, a minimum of 15 hours in upper division courses is required with at least one upper division course coming from each of the following areas: United States History, European History to 1648, European History since 1648, and an area other than Europe or the United States. You may also link to the four-year plan for a degree in History. (Note: This plan will appear in a new window and you can print from there.)

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Minor in History: The minor in history (reference number 392) requires a minimum of 24 semester hours. Courses required are HIST 119, 120, 240, and 241. The remaining 12 hours must be taken in upper division courses with no more than two upper division courses coming from any one of the following areas: United States History, European History to 1648, European History since 1648, and Areas other than Europe and the United States.

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Major in Social Studies:

The major in social studies (reference number 592) requires a minimum of 60 semester hours and leads to a bachelor of arts degree. Students completing this major will be certified in social studies. The courses required are distributed as follows:

HIST: 27 hours, including HIST 119, 120, 240, 241 and 498. The remaining 12 hours must be taken in upper division courses and must include a course from each of the following areas: United States History, European History to 1648, European History since 1648 and Areas Other than Europe or the United States.

PS: 9 hours, including PS 110, a choice between GOVT 250 or 260, and an upper-level course selected from PS 310, 316, 326, 327, 328, or 370.

ECON: 6 hours, including ECON 202 and 203

GEOG: 9 hours, including 101 or 110, and two upper-level classes selected from the following: 350, 360, 425, or 430.

SOCL: 3 hours, SOCL 100.

ANTH: 3 hours, ANTH 120

PSY: 3 hours, PSY 100.

In choosing elective courses, students should keep in mind the number of upper division courses required for graduation. Students who complete this program will not be required to offer an additional major or minor for their degree and teacher certification.

Students who pursue the social studies major should also bear in mind that at least a minor in a particular discipline is required by many universities for graduate study in that discipline. The equivalent of a history minor is included in the social studies major. The number of additional hours required to meet minor requirements in PS, ECON, and GEOG is as follows: PS: 15 hours; ECON: 15 hours; and GEOG: 12 hours. Students seeking to minor in any of these disciplines should consult the appropriate department head for specific requirements. You may also link to the four-year plan for a degree in Social Studies. (Note: This plan will appear in a new window and you can print from there.)

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History by Interactive Television: The History Department offers upper division courses via interactive television sufficient to meet the requirements for the history major with the exception of History 498 which must be taken on campus. These television courses will also meet the upper division requirements for the history minor and the history component of the social studies major. For more information see the course page, under ITV courses.

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Last Revised: June 7, 2005 .
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