The Major

Requirements

History majors must complete 12 courses totaling at least 36 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.000, distributed as follows:

1. Two to five 100-level courses.
   1. One of the following pairs is required (the specific list may vary from year to year):
      • 100+101 Western Thought 
      • 110+111 OR 111 and 112 (World History / World History + World Religions)
      • 110 + 161 OR 112 and 161 (World History + Africa OR World Religions + Africa)
      • 114+115 China
      • 120+121 Latin America
      • 130+131 Middle East
      • 160+161 Africa
      • 180+181 History of Science
   2. Optional: Up to two more 100-level courses, or three if the 3rd is non-western.
2. Six to nine courses 200-499.
3. History 450. This proseminar involves research and writing, to be completed before the second semester of the senior year (normally in the junior year). It fulfills the University Junior Year Writing requirement.
4. A pre-1500 course from among the following: 100, 102, 110, 112, 114, 130, 160, 180, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 340 or the equivalent.
5. At least two non-western courses (100-level or upper-level, in any combination) to be selected from the following areas: Africa, East Asia, Latin America, Middle East, World. A fifth 100-level course may be taken to fulfill this requirement.
6. Primary majors in history must take an Integrative Experience (IE) course. This may also count towards B above.
7. Majors must take a methods course, History 275. This is a requirement for students who have entered the major since Fall 2019.
8. Students enrolled in the major may also pursue a concentration, either in a pre-defined area or on an individualized basis.

Restrictions

1. Majors, including transfer students, must take a minimum of four upper-level courses in the UMass Amherst or Five College History departments.
2. Transfer courses are evaluated by the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Prior approval is recommended.
3. History courses taken Pass/Fail will not be counted toward requirements for the major. This includes internships which are always Pass/Fail.
4. Only history courses with a grade of C- or higher will be counted for the major.
5. Majors may count no more than 20 history courses toward the B.A. degree (a total of no more than 60 credits, in lower- and upper-level work).