History, B.A.

Students choose to study history for three main reasons. First, it represents the record of all human experience and helps fully illustrate the forces that influence the world. It is central to a liberal arts education and a defining feature of the Jesuit tradition. History has long been considered the foundation of the humanities because it provides a general framework and a unifying perspective for many more narrowly specialized disciplines. Second, it is highly enjoyable; real stories are often much more fascinating than fiction, and the detective work needed to dig into sources can be thrilling. Third, it teaches a skill set that remains in strong demand on the ever-changing job market: analytical thinking, effective use of evidence, research and writing skills, rhetorical abilities and an understanding of cultural differences.

Highlights of Saint Louis University's history major include:

• Seminars take SLU students to archives and museums to view letters, diaries, photographs from decades and centuries ago. Upper division courses can take students to places like Rome and Ireland where students can dig into the ruins of castles and ancient cities. Students are offered travel money to visit archives and historical sites in the United States.
• SLU's history honor society, Phi Alpha Theta, sponsors an annual undergraduate research conference. Seminars are small enough for students to present findings in detail to classmates. The research, writing and communication skills gained are those most sought after by employers.
• SLU's history program offers first-hand research experience. The internship program allows students to partner with local museums, nonprofits, religious institutions and corporations. Students can build windows into the past through historical records, manuscript collections and photographs.

Curriculum Overview

History majors at SLU are educated in basic intellectual and communication skills that are valued in business, journalism, public service and law, among other fields. In recent years, undergraduates have augmented studies in history with education, political science, foreign language or business administration — combinations that have proven attractive in medicine, business and government service.

Saint Louis University history students learn to interpret a variety of sources, develop the skills to find relevant information and evidence, and articulate an argument. They practice clear and forceful writing.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

SLU's Department of History offers a variety of internships with museums and other historical organizations, most of which are eligible for course credit. Internship opportunities in the St. Louis area include:

• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
• Campbell House Museum
• Discovery Expedition of St. Charles
• Eugene Field House and Toy Museum
• Holocaust Museum
• Jefferson Barracks
• Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Achieves
• Landmarks Association of St. Louis
• Lincoln Home and National Historic Site
• Midwest Jesuit Achieves
• Missouri History Museum
• National Archives Records Center
• Saint Louis University Art Museum
• Scott Joplin House
• Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site

Careers

Saint Louis University history department graduates find a broad range of employment, including education, law, journalism, international business, museum and library work, and public service. Many history majors at SLU have successfully pursued graduate studies and now teach in academic institutions. Recent survey data of history alumni indicates that 93% consider themselves “satisfactorily occupied.”

Admission Requirements

Freshman

Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply. Saint Louis University also accepts the Common App.

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory course work is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file. College admission test scores (ACT or SAT) are used as an additional indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University and are used as qualifiers for certain University scholarship programs. To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, the applicant must be graduating from an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the General Education Development (GED) test.

Begin Your Application

Transfer

Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply. 

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED. An official high school transcript and official test scores are required only of those students who have attempted fewer than 24 transferable semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit. Those having completed 24 or more of college credit need only submit a transcript from previously attended college(s). In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the office of admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University.

International Applicants

Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply. 

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, applicants should apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at https://finaid.slu.edu.

1. Graduates will be able to call to mind and explain significant historical facts in appropriate contexts.
2. Graduates will be able to critically evaluate and analyze primary sources to produce reasoned historical interpretations.
3. Graduates will be able to critically evaluate strengths and weaknesses of historical narratives and interpretations.
4. Graduates will be able to produce correct, cogent, and effectively structured statements on historical topics.
5. Graduates will be able to produce research in which they interpret primary sources in order to propose informed, original solutions to historical problems.
6. Graduates will be able to articulate meaningful relationships between contemporary issues and historical facts, interpretations, and skills.

 History students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours for the major.

HIST 4991 History Senior Thesis (3 cr)

This course will be conducted as an independent study/research course for writing an honors thesis. It is an opportunity for superior students who want to expand and revise a paper for a previous 3000 or 4000 level History course into an honors thesis. This option will give the student a chance to develop and demonstrate advanced research and writing skills. It will be excellent preparation for graduate or professional schools, some of which require applicants to submit a writing sample.  This course runs for one semester. Students wishing to spend a year on their thesis may sign up one semester earlier for HIST 4990 History Senior Thesis Prep (3 cr).

HIST 4910 Internship/History in Practice (1-6 cr)

The Department of History offers a variety of internships; for example, in an archive, a museum, a historical site, or on a specific projects.

Continuation Standards

1. Grade of a B- or better in:
   • HIST 1110 Origins of the Modern World to 1500 (0,3 cr)
   • HIST 1120 Origins of the Modern World, 1500 to Present (0,3 cr)
2. A 2.00 minimum GPA for all History courses

Bachelor of Arts Core Curriculum Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses [numbered below 1000]).
• Complete either the College of Arts and Sciences Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Core Curriculum Requirements
• Complete Major Requirements: minimum 30 credits required.
• Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate, and/or elective credits to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
• Courses listed under the intensive English program do not count toward graduation requirements.   EAP 1500 College Composition for International Students (3 cr), EAP 1900 Rhetoric & Research Strategies (3 cr) and EAP 2850 Nation, Identity and Literature (3 cr) count toward graduation requirements as equivalents to Department of English courses. In addition to those courses, six credits from EAP/MLNG courses at the 1000 level or higher may count toward graduation requirements
• Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s) and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate, or related elective credits.
• Complete Dept/Program specific academic and performance requirements.
• Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
• Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
• Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Program Notes

The History major requires successful completion of courses above 1120 in the following areas: pre-1865 U.S. History, post-1865 U.S. History, European history, and World history. At least one course must be a 4000-level seminar. Please refer to the list of seminars for majors.

Senior thesis (3 or 6 credits, counting toward electives) and internship options available.

European History – 3 Credits

Courses with the European History attribute. All are 3 credit courses. Examples of such courses which are commonly taught, are:

Pre-1865 U.S. History – 3 credits

Courses with the Pre-1865 U.S. History attribute. All are 3 credit courses. Examples of such courses, which are commonly taught, are:

Post-1865 U.S. History – 3 Credits

Courses with the Post-1865 U.S. History attribute. Examples of such 3-credit courses, which are commonly taught, are:

World History – 3 Credits

Asian, African, Middle Eastern, or Latin American

Courses with the World History attribute. All are 3 credit courses. Examples of such courses, which are commonly taught, are:

Senior Research Seminars - 3 Credits

Internship – 3 credits (may be taken twice)

Senior Thesis – 3-6 credits