The History Department offers a major that is both challenging and flexible.
In this age of rapid change and globalization, our courses offer students the opportunity to understand the principal events and developments of the United States and the world. Furthermore, through internships and public history offerings, students can take a hands-on approach to understanding what history means for a community and what they might want to do after they leave St. Bonaventure. The flexibility of the major allows students to pursue a wide variety of minors, double majors, and the dual degree MBA program.
Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in History
The following table summarizes all requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in history. For an overview of a particular course, click on its title. Our Course Descriptions page lists all history courses. For one possible breakdown of the major by semester, see the Plan of Study.
* History majors are strongly encouraged to take HIST 200 during the second year.
** Of the four history electives, two must be 300-level and two must be either 200- or 400-level.
*** The School of Arts and Sciences requires all majors to complete a foreign language course at the 202 level or higher. Students not prepared to begin at this level will need to take additional courses in the language, which count as general electives.
† The Clare College curriculum also includes a three-credit quantitative reasoning requirement. History majors satisfy this requirement by passing any of the courses listed in the above table under Mathematics.
NOTE: History majors are required to take at least one intensive course. HIST 200 and the corresponding introductory course are required before taking an intensive course. The intensive course should be taken before HIST 491 / HIST 492. Intensive courses are limited to history majors.
Comprehensive Examination Requirement
Every history major must fulfill the Comprehensive Examination Requirement by submitting a senior thesis demonstrating mastery of the skills needed for independent study in history or by taking the Advanced History Reading Program (HIST 491 or HIST 492). HIST 491 and HIST 492 are senior seminar courses requiring the application of knowledge and skills presumably acquired through the major in history.
Special Programs
The Department of History offers several programs for qualified students. History majors are encouraged to participate in the University Honors Program, which involves taking honors seminars and completing an honors project in history during their senior year. The department offers numerous internships in area historical societies, museums and archives. Students who plan to become social studies teachers can obtain a B.A. in history and then remain on campus a fifth year to receive an M.S.Ed. degree; the latter degree brings eligibility for permanent certification. Students likewise have an option to remain five years and pursue a B.A. in history along with an M.B.A. degree. History majors can also pursue the minor in Web Publication and Application Development or International Relations (as a joint project with the Political Science Department). Within the department, students can take a specialization in public history. Students who plan for careers in law or many other fields likewise can fashion courses of study that will prepare them for their future professions. Further information on all of the above can be obtained from the professors in the department.
Requirements for a Minor in History
For non-majors, the following courses constitute a minor in history. For an overview of a particular course, click on its title. Our Course Descriptions page lists all history courses.
To declare a minor, a special form must be filled out and filed with the Records Office by the end of the student's junior year. The appropriate form is available from the student's advisor or from the Office of the Registrar.