Departmental Honors

Students who are admitted to the Departmental Honors program in History complete the Honors seminar (HIST-K 392) in place of Capstone Requirement (HIST-J 400 and HIST-J 425). Honors students also complete a two-semester honors thesis with oral defense (HIST-K 499, 6 cr.) or a one-semester honors paper (HIST-K 498, 3 cr.). To graduate with honors, a student must earn a minimum A- in K 392 and the thesis or paper, complete a minimum of 33 credits in History with a 3.500 Major GPA, and have a minimum 3.300 College GPA.

College of Arts and Sciences Requirements

• Students must have a College GPA of 3.300 or higher to qualify for admission to a Departmental Honors program and to receive Departmental Honors. Units may set a higher College GPA.
• Units establish additional criteria, including admissions procedures, academic performance standards, and whether there are required courses, papers, or projects.
• Students who wish to earn honors in two different units must complete a distinct body of work for each honors notation.

Students apply to the Departmental Honors program during the spring semester, usually in their sophomore or junior year. Applications include a letter of recommendation from a faculty member, and a writing sample; students must have a minimum 3.50 GPA in History classes, and 3.30 GPA overall. Additional information and application instructions can be obtained from the History academic advisor or the Director of Undergraduate Studies.