Undergraduate Program
Other Programs Affiliated with the History Department
The UMBC history major and minor are excellent preparations for careers in government service, education,
business, communications, and management. History gradates have skills in research, writing, and analysis valued by employers. History's investigative and analytical
skills also prepare students for law school, graduate school, or other
professional programs. Visit the department's Alumni page to learn about some of our graduates.
Each student is assigned an academic adviser from the department's faculty upon
declaring history as a major or minor. Students may also request to be assigned to a particular faculty member. Upon initial
assignment of an adviser, students are sent a copy of the Guide for UMBC History Majors and Minors, as well as information on
careers for history majors. Advisees are urged to consult with their advisers, and to take part in activities of the
Student History Council, which holds meetings on jobs and careers as part of its activities.
The History Major
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in history consists of 39 credits distributed as follows:
Required courses (15 credits)
- HIST 110 Western Civilization
up to 1700 or
HIST 111 Western Civilization Since 1700
(These courses replaced HIST 100 beginning with Fall, 2007. Students may take
either HIST 110 or HIST 111, but do not need both.)
- HIST 101 American History to 1877 or
HIST 102 American History, 1877 to the Present
- HIST 103 East Asian
Civilization or
HIST 200 World History in the 20th Century
- HIST 201 Introduction to the Study of History
- HIST 496 Historical Research (American) or
HIST 497 Historical Research (non-U.S.)
The CEEB Advanced Placement Examination allows students achieving a minimum score to be
exempted from the corresponding required 100-level courses and to receive credit
toward the history major requirements (and the university's graduation
requirements). Students may be exempted for up to two 100 or 200 level required
courses.
Elective History Courses (24 credits)
Students must earn a minimum of 9 credits in history courses numbered 400 and above as part of the required 24 elective credits in classes listed as 200 and higher. The over 24 elective credits must also include no less than 9 credits in courses in American history and
a minimum of 12 credits in European, Asian, Latin American, or African history.
No grade lower than "C" in any
course will be counted toward the major. As an
exception to this rule, students may earn up to 3 "P" credits in HIST 391
(Internship) as part of the 24 elective credits in the history major
requirements.
Advising Guide for the History Major
Studies major during the
Fall 2002 semester and after. Be sure to check with a Social Studies advisor in
the UMBC
Department of Education for the most up-to-date Maryland state teacher
certification requirements.
The Department of History
offers a program for history majors who wish to become certified to teach
history/social studies at the secondary level. This program has been approved by
the Maryland State Department of Education. In completing the specific
requirements of this program, students must also complete the normal
requirements of the history major described above. In addition, students must be admitted to and complete UMBC's Secondary Education teacher
certification program. Upon successful completion of the course work
and student teaching, students are recommended for teacher certification in the State of
Maryland.
The history/social studies secondary education program consists of 48 credits
distributed as follows:
History core requirements (15 credits)
- HIST 110 Western Civilization
to 1700 or
HIST 111 Western Civilization Since 1700
- HIST 101 American History to 1877 or
HIST 102 American History, 1877 to the Present
- HIST 103 East Asian
Civilization or
HIST 200 World History in the 20th Century
- HIST 201 Introduction to the Study of History
- HIST 496 Historical Research (American) or
HIST 497 Historical Research (non-U.S.)
Social Studies Concentration (33 credits)
A. Required history courses (6 credits)
- HIST 342 (formerly HIST 407) The American Revolution
- HIST 347 (formerly HIST 443) The United States Since 1945
B. Required supplementary social studies course (9
credits)
- ECON 101 Principles of Microeconomics or
ECON 102 Principles of Macroeconomics
- GEOG ___ An introductory
Geography course
- POLI 100 American Government and Politics
C. Elective history courses (18
credits).
At least one course must relate
to each of the following areas:
1. Anthropology and sociology
2. A pluralistic society
3. Current affairs and controversial issues. (See either
history or education
advisors for a list of recommended
courses in these areas.)
For the most up-to-date information on the 39 credits in teacher education
required by the
State of Maryland, see an advisor in the UMBC Department
of Education.
Faculty Advisor: Prof. Amy
Froide
The study of history provides excellent preparation for careers in law and the history
major has traditionally been one of the most heavily represented undergraduate majors in
American law schools. Recognizing this, the history department provides supplemental
pre-law advising to those students considering law school.
Recognizing that a basic understanding of history is a crucial component of liberal
undergraduate education rather than a luxury, the department offers a minor in history. It
is designed to allow students to complement their career interests and vocational goals by
studying history as an ancillary field. To earn a minor in history, in addition to their
major in another discipline, students must complete a total of 18 credits in the history
department. As with the major program, the minor requires that students complete two broad
introductory-level courses. The required minimum score on CEEB Advanced Placement (AP)
examinations may exempt a student from three of the six credits required in 100-level
courses. After that, however, the minor provides great flexibility, allowing students the
opportunity to concentrate on particular historical eras, interests, or areas. The minor
consists of 18 credits distributed as follows:
Required courses (6 credits)
1. HIST 110 Western Civilization
up to 1700 or
HIST 111 Western Civilization Since 1700
(these courses replaced HIST 100 n Fall, 2007. Students may take
either HIST 110 or HIST 111, but do not need both)
2. HIST 101 American History to 1877 or
HIST 102 American History Since 1877
Elective courses (12 credits)
At least 9 of these credits must be selected from 300- and 400-level courses.
Advising Guide for the History Minor
The Department offers a minor in East Asian history which gives concrete recognition to
students who have achieved a broad understanding of East Asia through the completion of
the required program. It will provide excellent preparation for students pursuing careers
in international affairs, education, journalism, business and law.
Required courses (3 credits)
- HIST 103 East Asian Civilization (SS or C)
Elective courses (15 credits)
Electives must be distributed in such a way that each student has
no less than 6 credits in Chinese history
and no less than 6 credits in Japanese history. No grade lower than a "C" in any course will
be counted toward the minor. The 15 credits should be selected from the following history
courses:
381 Japanese History Through Film and Literature (C)
383 Japan in the Shogun Age
385 Contemporary Japan, 1945 to the Present
387 Medicine and Health Care in China
388 Society and Culture in China (C)
458 Japan to 1800
459 Japan Since 1800
477 History of China to 1644
478 History of China, 1644 to 1912
479 History of China, 1912 to 1949
480 Contemporary China, 1949 to the Present
494 Colloquium in World History and
497 Historical Research (as applicable).
Departmental Honors
The Department of History at UMBC
offers a program leading to the award of Departmental
Honors at graduation.
(Note: This program is different from the University Honors College Program and is open to all history majors that meet the requirements for Departmental Honors outlined below). For departmental honors the following
stipulations will apply:
-
To participate, a student must
have a junior status and a 3.5 grade point average in history courses.
Students with lower grade point averages can petition the Undergraduate
Committee. There are no requirements concerning overall GPA.
-
Students seeking departmental
honors will follow the rules for a regular history major, but make the
following additions and substitutions:
A. Students
will take two courses at the 300h or 400h level to earn departmental honors
credits. Taking the courses involves obtaining permission from the instructor teaching the course and negotiating
a plan with that instructor for additional work earning the honors
designation. Students should complete and submit the Departmental Honors
Course Request before adding the course for honors credit. Students must
earn at least a “B” in the two designated departmental honors courses.
B. In addition, departmental honors students
will take the two-term History 498-499 sequence (Honors Thesis in History) in
place of History 496 or 497. There will be a second reader for the Honors
Thesis, and the advisor and second reader will determine the format of the
summary review session. Prior to beginning work and registering, students
should complete the Departmental HIST 498-499 Form which
requires permission from the advisor and the departmental honors
coordinator. Note:
because of this requirement, departmental honors students will complete their
major with a total of 42 credits in history rather than 39. Students must earn
at least a “B” in the 498-499 sequence to qualify for departmental honors.
-
Departmental honors students must
complete a minimum of 21 credits in UMBC History courses and graduate with at
least a 3.5 GPA in history courses.
Interested students should consult with a department
faculty advisor no later than the fall semester of their junior year.
The Department of History is interested in serving part-time and non-traditional students. Required courses and selected elective courses are offered in the late
afternoon, evening, and during the summer and winter special sessions. It should be noted, however, that some elective courses are
not offered at those times.
History majors considering
going on to an M.A. degree in historical studies may apply to enter the
accelerated B.A./M.A. program offered by the department. Students should apply
late in their sophomore or in their junior year in order to begin the program
during their senior year. For further information contact the Department of
History. Students need to complete the BA/MA form and make an appointment with the
Department of History Graduate Program Director.
To apply,
students must be a History major, have completed HIST 201 "Introduction to the
Study of History," and have earned a minimum of 60 undergraduate credits. At
least 15 of these must have been earned at UMBC and no less than 9 credits need
to be in 300 or 400 level history courses. Students must have a minimum grade
point average of 3.0 overall and 3.5 in history. Students
with scores of at least 3 on the CEEB Advanced Placement examinations in
American and European history may also qualify for an accelerated B.A./M.A.
program.
Students with scores of at least 3 on the CEEB Advanced Placement examinations in
American and European history may qualify for an accelerated B.A./M.A. program.
Internships complement academic training and expose
students to valuable and practical new experiences by providing instruction
beyond the classroom. Hands-on training under the close tutelage of a mentor
helps shape personal, educational and professional goals. Internships afford
students the opportunity to meet with proven leaders in their fields,
establishing valuable contacts and networking opportunities vital to a future
career. Internship experience also enhances the curriculum vitae and/or resume,
strengthening a prospective job applicant's qualifications. Upon successful completion of an internship many supervisors provide effective letters of recommendation. In some cases, internships lead to full time positions within the
organization. The Baltimore-Washington area offers unique opportunities for
internships unmatched anywhere else in the United States. Institutions featuring
local and broader topics in art, media, education, museums, government service,
libraries and archives are readily accessible to UMBC students. Undergraduate
students may earn academic credit for internships through HIST 391. Information about current Internship Opportunities.
Financial Aid information is available from the UMBC Financial Aid Office (410-455-2387). History majors are good fits for the also Sondheim Public
Affairs Scholars and Humanities Scholars programs in the freshman year.
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