History

An esteemed program nationally recognized with our own Phi Alpha Theta chapter

Because the faculty emphasize interdisciplinary and global learning, the History program at Alfred University gives you a challenging and unique perspective on what was and is the world around you. With upper level courses that are intentionally taught with small class sizes you'll be able to engage with instructors and peers in lively discussions taking your education in history to a more personal and impactful level.

School/Division

Campus Locations

Main Campus - Alfred, NY

Major

History (BA)

Double Major

Double Major option(s) offered.
Learn More

Minor

History

Major Requirements

From the numerous courses offered a total of 34 credit hours in history is required. Of these hours, 26 must be drawn from the 300 or 400 level, and the student must complete eight hours in American and 8 hours in non-American history at the 300 or 400 level.

The following is a sample list of courses recently taught in the History major/minor:

  • HIST 107 - The World in the 20th Century
  • HIST 111 - Modern Western History
  • HIST 120 - The Ancient Mediterranean
  • HIST 121 - Medieval Cultures
  • HIST 211 - American History I
  • HIST 212 - American History II
  • HIST 223 - Survey of German History
  • HIST 300 - Putin's Russia
  • HIST 300 - Modern China
  • HIST 300 - Empire, 1415-Present
  • HIST 300 - Crisis Europe: Refugees, Neo-Nazis, and Political Disintegration
  • HIST 306 - Prosperity and Depression: America 1919-1941
  • HIST 307 - Post-World War II America
  • HIST 308 - Americans and Their Environments
  • HIST 309 - Israelis, Arabs and American Foreign Policy
  • HIST 310 - The Ancient Greeks
  • HIST 311 - The Roman World
  • HIST 321 - The History of Fascism
  • HIST 322 - Churchill, Stalin, Roosevelt, Hitler
  • HIST 324 - Queer American History
  • HIST 325 - Imperialism in Africa and Asia
  • HIST 326 - The Modern Middle East and North Africa
  • HIST 328 - Visions of Modernity: Art, Politics and Ideas
  • HIST 329 - Revolution and Culture: Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche
  • HIST 360 - Women's History in the U.S.
  • HIST 360 - Civil War Era
  • HIST 360 - Black History in the U.S.
  • HIST 360 - Sex, Power, and Politics
  • HIST 360 - Historian's Craft
  • HIST 371 - American Diplomacy: 1763-1898
  • HIST 372 - America as a World Power, 1898-Present
  • HIST 375 - The Creation of American Culture
  • HIST 376 - Modern American Culture
  • HIST 377 - History of American Slavery
  • HIST 383 - The Nazi Holocaust
  • HIST 385 - Internship in History
  • HIST 450 - Independent Study

View General Education Requirements

Requirements for the History Major

From the numerous courses offered (see Courses above) a total of 34 credit hours in history is required. Of these hours, 26 must be drawn from the 300 or 400 level, and the student must complete eight hours in American and 8 hours in non-American history at the 300 or 400 level. Total credit hours: 34.

Requirements for the History Minor

The minor in history requires completion of two General Education history courses, plus 12 credits of history at the 300 or 400 level. Total credit hours: 20.

History as a double major is available to all AU students. A total of 34 credit hours is required. Of these hours, 26 must be drawn from the 300-or 400-level, including four hours of US history, four hours in the history of Latin America, and 8 hours in history beyond the Americas. 

The following three history methods courses are required:

  • HIST 304 Historian’s Craft: The Past
  • HIST 305 Historian’s Craft: The Future
  • HIST 410 Writing History

LEARN MORE ABOUT DOUBLE MAJORS

Successful Graduates

The History major prepares students for graduate study and careers in education, journalism, law, government, libraries, archives, and historic preservation. We are proud that the history program has successfully placed graduates in these and other fields. Here are just a few recent graduate examples:

  • Museum Assistant – NYS College of Ceramics
  • Executive Assistant to the President – Project Vote Smart
  • World History Teacher – Chautauqua Lake Central School
  • Passport Specialist – US State Department
  • Tour Guide – Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises
  • HS Social Studies Teacher – Cuba-Rushford High School
  • Reporter – The Evening Tribune
  • District Executive – Five Rivers Council Boy Scouts of America
  • Research Assistant – Marine Corps University Foundation
  • Assistant Manager – Global Equities, Inc.
  • Researcher – Time Magazine

Similar Programs

You should consider pairing your History major with a minor or another major in order to enjoy a broader range of career opportunities following graduation. Popular programs include:

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