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.
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.
- Graduates will be able to call to mind and explain significant historical facts in appropriate contexts.
- Graduates will be able to critically evaluate and analyze primary sources to produce reasoned historical interpretations.
- Graduates will be able to critically evaluate strengths and weaknesses of historical narratives and interpretations.
- Graduates will be able to produce correct, cogent, and effectively structured statements on historical topics.
- Graduates will be able to produce research in which they interpret primary sources in order to propose informed, original solutions to historical problems.
- 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.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
College core requirements | 57-66 | |
For additional information about core courses | ||
Required Courses | ||
HIST 1110 | Origins of the Modern World to 1500 | 3 |
HIST 1120 | Origins of the Modern World, 1500 to Present | 3 |
HIST 2800 | Historian's Craft: Methods Proseminar | 3 |
European History | ||
Select one course with the European History attribute. Examples of such courses, which are commonly taught, are: | 3 | |
Ancient Greece | ||
Roman Republic | ||
The Roman Empire | ||
The Byzantine World: Faith and Power in a Thousand-Year Empire | ||
From Barbarians to Crusaders: Europe in the Early Middle Ages | ||
From Cathedrals to Printing Presses: Europe in the Late Middle Ages | ||
The Crusades | ||
The Age of Renaissance | ||
The Reformation Era | ||
Power and Politics in Europe's Old Regime, 1650-1750 | ||
French Revolution and Napolean, 1789-1815 | ||
The Age of Industrialism and Democracy, 1815-1914 | ||
Twentieth Century Europe: Era of World Wars, 1914-1945 | ||
Europe since 1945 | ||
Eastern Europe | ||
World in Conflict Since 1945 | ||
Russia to 1905 | ||
Russia Since 1905 | ||
Early Modern History of Spain:1469-1818 | ||
The Catholic Reformation | ||
Daily Life in Early Mod Europe | ||
Women in Modern Europe | ||
Medieval Spain | ||
Pre-1865 U.S. History | ||
Select one course with the Pre-1865 U.S. History attribute. Examples of such courses, which are commonly taught, are: | 3 | |
History of the U.S. to 1865 | ||
Colonial America | ||
Foundations of the American Republic, 1763-1816 | ||
U.S. Civil War and Reconstruction, 1850-1877 | ||
U.S. Social and Intellectual History to 1861 | ||
American Slavery | ||
American Women | ||
History of the American West | ||
History of Nature in America | ||
U.S. Constitutional History | ||
Post-1865 U.S. History | ||
Select once course with the Post-1865 U.S. History attribute. Examples of such courses, which are commonly taught, are: | 3 | |
History of the United States Since 1865 | ||
World in Conflict Since 1945 | ||
U.S. Civil War and Reconstruction, 1850-1877 | ||
The Gilded Age | ||
Progressive Era to the Jazz Age, 1890-1920 | ||
Prosperity, Depression, and War 1920-1945 | ||
Contemporary America, 1945 - Present | ||
U.S. Social and Intellectual History Since 1861 | ||
American Women | ||
U.S. History in Film | ||
Civil Rights in America, 1865-1965 | ||
The Saint Louis Region | ||
History of the American West | ||
History of Nature in America | ||
U.S. Constitutional History | ||
World History (Asian, African, Middle Eastern, or Latin American) | ||
Select one course with the World History attribute. Examples of such courses, which are commonly taught, are: | 3 | |
China and Japan To 1600 | ||
China and Japan Since 1600 | ||
Crossroads of the World: The Middle East and North Africa Through History | ||
The Byzantine World: Faith and Power in a Thousand-Year Empire | ||
Colonial Latin America | ||
Modern Latin America | ||
Mexico | ||
China to 1644 | ||
China Since 1644 | ||
The Jesuits in Asia | ||
Africa to 1884 | ||
Africa since 1884 | ||
World in Conflict Since 1945 | ||
Plagues and Peoples: Disease and Society in the Pre-modern World | ||
African Economic History | ||
Imperialism & Nationalism | ||
Cultural Encounters 1500-1700 | ||
Islamic Middle East | ||
Modern Middle East | ||
History Electives | ||
Choose 12 credits for courses above 1120 with the HIST subject code. | 12 | |
Senior Seminar | ||
HIST 4900 | Seminar in European History | 3 |
or HIST 4901 | Sem: American History | |
or HIST 4902 | Seminar in World History | |
General Electives | 18-27 | |
Total Credits | 120 |
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
- Grade of a B- or better in:
- A 2.00 minimum GPA for all History courses
Bachelor of Arts Core Curriculum Requirements
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Components and Credits | ||
Foundations of Discourse | 3 | |
Diversity in the U.S. | 3 | |
Global Citizenship | 3 | |
Foreign Language | 0-9 | |
Fine Arts | 3 | |
Literature | 6 | |
Mathematics | 3 | |
Natural Science | 6 | |
Philosophy | 9 | |
Social Science | 6 | |
Theology | 9 | |
World History | 6 | |
Total Credits | 57-66 |
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.
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
Participation in First-Year Mentoring Events | ||
HIST 1110 or HIST 1120 |
Origins of the Modern World to 1500 1 or Origins of the Modern World, 1500 to Present |
3 |
UNIV 1010 | Enhancing First-Year Success | 1 |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
Credits | 16 | |
Spring | ||
Participation in First-Year Mentoring Events | ||
HIST 1120 or HIST 1110 |
Origins of the Modern World, 1500 to Present 1 or Origins of the Modern World to 1500 |
3 |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
Participation in Second-Year Mentoring Events | ||
HIST 1710 | China and Japan Since 1600 | 3 |
HIST 2800 | Historian's Craft: Methods Proseminar (Required of all majors) | 3 |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
Participation in Second-Year Mentoring Events | ||
HIST 1600 | History of the U.S. to 1865 3 | 3 |
HIST 3060 | The Crusades 4 | 3 |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
HIST 3480 | U.S. Civil War and Reconstruction, 1850-1877 5 | 3 |
HIST 3830 | Modern Middle East 6 | 3 |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
HIST 4910 | Internship/History in Practice (Elective) | 3 |
A&S Core Course (if needed) or Elective | 3 | |
A&S Core Course (if needed) or Elective | 3 | |
A&S Elective | 3 | |
A&S Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Four | ||
Fall | ||
HIST 3250 | World in Conflict Since 1945 (Elective (also fulfills U.S. Distribution Requirement)) | 3 |
HIST 3020 | The Roman Empire (Elective (also fulfills Europe Distribution Requirement)) | 3 |
A&S Core Course (if needed) or Elective | 3 | |
A&S Elective | 3 | |
A&S Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
HIST 4900 |
Seminar in European History (Required of all majors) or Sem: American History or Seminar in World History |
3 |
A&S Core Course (if needed) | 3 | |
A&S Elective | 3 | |
A&S Elective | 3 | |
A&S Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Total Credits | 121 |
1 | One, but not both, of these courses may be fulfilled by AP credit. |
2 | Fulfills World Distribution Requirement (for a full list of courses that meet this requirement, see the list below) |
3 | Fulfills U.S. pre-1865 Distribution Requirement (for a full list of courses that meet this requirement, see the list below) |
4 | Fulfills Europe Distribution Requirement (for a full list of courses that meet this requirement, see the list below) |
5 | Fulfills U.S. post-1865 Distribution Requirement (for a full list of courses that meet this requirement, see list below) |
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:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Ancient Greece | ||
Roman Republic | ||
The Roman Empire | ||
The Byzantine World: Faith and Power in a Thousand-Year Empire | ||
From Barbarians to Crusaders: Europe in the Early Middle Ages | ||
From Cathedrals to Printing Presses: Europe in the Late Middle Ages | ||
The Crusades | ||
The Age of Renaissance | ||
The Reformation Era | ||
Power and Politics in Europe's Old Regime, 1650-1750 | ||
French Revolution and Napolean, 1789-1815 | ||
The Age of Industrialism and Democracy, 1815-1914 | ||
Twentieth Century Europe: Era of World Wars, 1914-1945 | ||
Europe since 1945 | ||
Eastern Europe | ||
World in Conflict Since 1945 | ||
Russia to 1905 | ||
Russia Since 1905 | ||
Early Modern History of Spain:1469-1818 | ||
Plagues and Peoples: Disease and Society in the Pre-modern World | ||
The Catholic Reformation | ||
Cultural Encounters 1500-1700 | ||
Daily Life in Early Mod Europe | ||
Women in Modern Europe | ||
Medieval Spain |
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:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
History of the U.S. to 1865 | ||
Colonial America | ||
Foundations of the American Republic, 1763-1816 | ||
U.S. Civil War and Reconstruction, 1850-1877 | ||
U.S. Social and Intellectual History to 1861 | ||
American Slavery | ||
American Women | ||
History of the American West | ||
History of Nature in America | ||
U.S. Constitutional History |
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:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
History of the United States Since 1865 | ||
World in Conflict Since 1945 | ||
U.S. Civil War and Reconstruction, 1850-1877 | ||
The Gilded Age | ||
Progressive Era to the Jazz Age, 1890-1920 | ||
Prosperity, Depression, and War 1920-1945 | ||
Contemporary America, 1945 - Present | ||
U.S. Social and Intellectual History Since 1861 | ||
American Women | ||
U.S. History in Film | ||
Civil Rights in America, 1865-1965 | ||
The Saint Louis Region | ||
History of the American West | ||
History of Nature in America | ||
U.S. Constitutional History | ||
Special Topics |
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:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
HIST 1700 | China and Japan To 1600 | 3 |
HIST 1710 | China and Japan Since 1600 | 3 |
HIST 2730 | Crossroads of the World: The Middle East and North Africa Through History | 3 |
HIST 3030 | The Byzantine World: Faith and Power in a Thousand-Year Empire | 3 |
HIST 3170 | Colonial Latin America | 3 |
HIST 3180 | Modern Latin America | 3 |
HIST 3190 | Mexico | 3-4 |
HIST 3200 | China to 1644 | 3 |
HIST 3210 | China Since 1644 | 3 |
HIST 3220 | The Jesuits in Asia | 3 |
HIST 3230 | Africa to 1884 | 3 |
HIST 3240 | Africa since 1884 | 3 |
HIST 3250 | World in Conflict Since 1945 | 3 |
HIST 3430 | African Economic History | 3 |
HIST 3440 | Imperialism & Nationalism | 3 |
HIST 3820 | Islamic Middle East | 3 |
HIST 3830 | Modern Middle East | 3 |
HIST 3930 | Special Topics | 3 |
Senior Research Seminars - 3 Credits
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
HIST 4900 | Seminar in European History | 3 |
HIST 4901 | Sem: American History | 3 |
HIST 4902 | Seminar in World History | 3 |
Internship – 3 credits (may be taken twice)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
HIST 4910 | Internship/History in Practice | 3-6 |
Senior Thesis – 3-6 credits
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
HIST 4990 | History Senior Thesis Prep (optional) | 3 |
HIST 4991 | History Senior Thesis | 3 |