Program Contact: David Valone 203-582-5269

As a history major, you take a broad range of courses that introduce you to aspects of history from a wide variety of perspectives and time periods. All history majors must take at least two courses in American history, two courses in European history and two courses in world history. Students also take a required course in historical writing, and 36-credit history majors take a junior-level seminar on historiography that introduces them to the actual production of historical knowledge and the creation of historical narratives and interpretive frameworks along with the senior seminar course (note: historiography and the senior seminar are waived for the 30-credit dual major option).

In addition, all history majors are encouraged to have an experiential learning experience through a study abroad experience or an internship in history. The remainder of the required credits in history are composed of history electives chosen by students based on their interests in consultation with their adviser. Through a history major at Quinnipiac, you will gain a broad understanding of past events, plus critical thinking skills and writing expertise, all of which will prepare you for a number of careers, from the curator of a museum exhibit on Middle Eastern art to a grant writer for a large teaching hospital. If you have a talent for languages, you could become an intelligence officer with the FBI, or you can choose to continue your education with a graduate degree in education, law or medicine.

Students normally apply for admission to the major before or during their sophomore year. Applications must be made to, and approved by, the chairperson. Acceptance is usually approved for all applicants in good standing academically.

Continuation in the major is dependent upon a satisfactory level of performance in all courses, with special reference to work in history. 

Note about internships: The department is able to provide student internships with area historical societies and also attempts to place qualified students in credit-related internships with area governmental organizations.

Students majoring in history must complete either the 36–credit hour track or the 30–credit hour track. The 30-credit track provides students with additional flexibility including adding a second major. 

Students in the 36–credit hour track must complete:

University Curriculum 146
Modern Language Requirement 3-6
History Core Requirements 2,3,4
European History6
American History6
Global History6
Select four electives 300 level or above12
HS 201Historical Writing3
HS 303Historiography3
HS 408Senior Seminar in History3
Free Electives23-29
Total Credits111-120

Students in the 30–credit hour track must complete:

University Curriculum 146
Modern Language Requirement 3-6
History Core Requirements 2, 3, 4
European History 6
American History6
Global History 6
Take 9 credits at the 300 level or higher9
Take 3 credits from the following:
HS 201Historical Writing3
HS 303Historiography3
Free Electives29-35
Total Credits111-120

Note about internships: The department is able to provide student internships with area historical societies and also attempts to place qualified students in credit-related internships with area governmental organizations.

1

All students must complete the University Curriculum requirements.

2

No more than three courses may be at the 100 level.

3

The minimum requirement (36 credits) must be met with a grade of C or better in all courses.

4

Some courses will fill more than one requirement. Students take a total of 36 history credits.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate the following competencies:

  1. Critical thinking: Analyze, synthesize and evaluate historical information from multiple sources.
  2. Inquiry and analysis: Distinguish between fact and fiction by employing a full range of techniques and methods used to gain historical knowledge while understanding that there is no one historical truth.
  3. Effective communication: Produce a polished and thoroughly researched written work of history that engages with both primary sources and the secondary literature.
  4. Diversity and cultural awareness: Become familiar with multiple cultures and diverse people from around the world and in different time periods.
  5. Oral communication: Convey their historical knowledge verbally through public presentations.
  6. Historical knowledge: Develop an understanding of the general chronology of the past and demonstrate an understanding of cause and effect in history.

Admission Requirements: College of Arts and Sciences

The requirements for admission into the undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences programs are the same as those for admission to Quinnipiac University.

Admission to the university is competitive, and applicants are expected to present a strong college prep program in high school. Prospective first-year students are strongly encouraged to file an application as early in the senior year as possible, and arrange to have first quarter grades sent from their high school counselor as soon as they are available.

For detailed admission requirements, including required documents, please visit the Admissions page of this catalog.

Transfer into the History Major

Seamless Transfer Agreement with Gateway Community College (GCC), Housatonic Community College (HCC) and Norwalk Community College (NCC)

Under this Transfer Agreement, GCC, HCC and NCC graduates will be guaranteed admission into a bachelor’s degree program with third year (junior) status at Quinnipiac University on the condition that they: 

  • Graduate with an associate in arts, an associate in science in business, College of Technology engineering science, nursing or an allied health degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (this may be higher in specific programs). 
  • Satisfy all other Quinnipiac University transfer admission requirements and requirements for intended major.

Quinnipiac University agrees to accept the general education embedded in these associate degree programs in accordance with Quinnipiac preferred choices for general education as meeting all the requirements of its undergraduate general education except for the Integrative Capstone Experience and where courses are encumbered by the major (e.g., General Chemistry for the Disciplinary Inquiry Natural Science requirement for a Biochemistry major).

Suggested Transfer Curriculum for BA in History

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall SemesterCredits
English I 3
United States History I 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credits15
Spring Semester
English II 3
United States History II 3
Elective 3-4
Elective 3-4
Elective 3
 Credits15-17
Second Year
Fall Semester
Elective 3-4
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credits15-16
Spring Semester
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits60-63

Shown below is one of many possible paths through the curriculum. Each student's individual academic plan is crafted in consultation with their academic adviser.

Traditional 36-Credit Track

First Year
Milestones: Earn 30 credits, meet with your adviser at least once a semester and have a GPA of 2.00 or higher.
Fall Semester
EN 101Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing3
FYS 101First-Year Seminar3
HS 122Modern World History3
AN 101Local Cultures, Global Issues3
University Curriculum course3
Spring Semester
EN 102Academic Writing and Research3
MA 110Contemporary Mathematics3
History course at the 100 or 200 level3
University Curriculum course3
University Curriculum course4
Second Year
Milestones: Earn 60 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester to discuss academic, experiential learning, career and co-curricular opportunities.
Fall Semester
History course at the 200 level3
Language at the 101 level3
University Curriculum course4
University Curriculum course3
Open Elective3
Spring Semester
HS 201Historical Writing3
History Course at the 200 level3
Language at the 102 level (Satisfies CAS Language Requirement)3
University Curriculum course3
Open Elective3
Third Year
Milestones: Earn 90 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester. Participate in study abroad, complete internship or research opportunities.
Fall Semester
History course at the 200 or 300 level3
History course at the 300 level3
University Curriculum course3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Spring Semester
HS 303Historiography3
History course at the 300 level3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Fourth Year
Milestones: Earn 120 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Complete possible minor or double major and prepare for graduation.
Fall Semester
History course at the 300 level3
CAS 420CAS Integrative Capstone3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Spring Semester
HS 408Senior Seminar in History3
History course at the 300 level3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Open Elective1
Total Credits120

Flexible Major 30-Credit Track 

First Year
Milestones: Earn 30 credits, meet with your adviser at least once a semester and have a GPA of 2.00 or higher.
Fall Semester
EN 101Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing3
FYS 101First-Year Seminar3
HS 122Modern World History3
AN 101Local Cultures, Global Issues3
University Curriculum course3
Spring Semester
EN 102Academic Writing and Research3
MA 110Contemporary Mathematics3
History course at the 100 or 200 level3
University Curriculum course3
University Curriculum course4
Second Year
Milestones: Earn 60 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester to discuss academic, experiential learning, career and co-curricular opportunities.
Fall Semester
History course at the 200 level3
Language at the 101 level3
University Curriculum course4
University Curriculum course3
Open Elective3
Spring Semester
HS 201Historical Writing3
History Course at the 200 level3
Language at the 102 level (Satisfies CAS Language Requirement)3
University Curriculum course3
Open Elective3
Third Year
Milestones: Earn 90 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester. Participate in study abroad, complete internship or research opportunities.
Fall Semester
History course at the 200 or 300 level3
History course at the 300 level3
University Curriculum course3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Spring Semester
History course at the 300 level3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Fourth Year
Milestones: Earn 120 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Complete possible minor or double major and prepare for graduation.
Fall Semester
History course at the 300 level3
CAS 420CAS Integrative Capstone3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Spring Semester
History course at the 300 level3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Open Elective1
Total Credits120