The Bachelors Program in History (History Major)
History majors develop an in-depth knowledge of a specific region of the world, including its history, geography, and culture. In the process, they also learn how to conduct historical research, and to develop convincing arguments based on primary and secondary sources. Effective oral and written communication skills are strongly emphasized in all history courses.
Students design their own pathway
Through the major primarily based on interest, with the exception of HIS 301 and 401, the two required courses. Our classes focus on teaching students how to conduct historical research, and to develop convincing arguments based on evidence supported by sources. Effective oral and written communication skills are strongly emphasized in all history courses. Many History majors choose careers in law, teaching, archival or library science, or museum work. Because it emphasizes research and writing, history is also excellent preparation to become a journalist, diplomat, or business person. Combined with a concentration in science, the History major is also a good background for medicine or other health science professions.
Requirements
Coursework in History - 39 credits
- Three Courses
- 100 level (Required distribution: USA, Europe, Other Region)
- Four Courses: In one of the following Thematic clusters (minimum of two courses at
the 300-level)
-
- Art, ideas, and Culture
- Empires, Violence & Global Connections
- Health, Science & Environmental Change
- Law, Politics & Social Justice
- Race, Religion, Gender & Sexualities
- Art, ideas, and Culture
-
- FourAdditional Courses above the 100-level:
- with at least three at the 300-level. These four courses should be used to deepen
a student's knowledge in a particular geographic and/or temporal area of study related
to their Thematic cluster.
- with at least three at the 300-level. These four courses should be used to deepen
a student's knowledge in a particular geographic and/or temporal area of study related
to their Thematic cluster.
- HIS 301 (Reading & Writing in History):This is the required Methods course in which
students hone their critical reading, writing, and research skills to prepare them
for the 401 seminar. Subject matter will vary depending on the professor. Satisfies
ESI. Note:301 must be taken prior to 401 (may not be taken concurrently). Effective
Spring 2026 - This course cannot be taken for GPNC.
- HIS 401 (Senior Colloquium):This is the capstone research seminar. Subject matter
will vary depending on the professor. Satisfies EXP+, SPK, WRTD. Effective Spring
2026 - This course cannot be taken for GPNC.
*For a complete listing of History courses visit the Undergraduate Catalog.
Additional Information about the Undergraduate Program
- All courses taken to meet Major requirements must be taken for a letter grade.
- No grade lower than C may be applied toward Major requirements.
- No transferred course with a grade lower than C may be applied toward Major requirements.
- With approval of the undergraduate director, one 200-level course may be substituted for one of the three courses at the 100-level.
- At least 12 credits must be taken within the Department of History at Stony Brook, including the 301 writing seminar and the 401 research colloquium.
- Students in the BA/MA or BA/MAT program may apply up to 9 graduate course credits taken in History toward fulfilling their BA requirements for the major, with the exception of 301 and 401.
- Registration in 401 requires prior permission from the department.
- HIS 301 and 401, starting spring 2026, cannot be taken for GPNC.
Departmental majors with a 3.5 GPA in history courses and related disciplines are eligible to enroll in the history honors program (HIS 495/496) at the beginning of their senior year. The student, after asking a faculty member to be a sponsor, must submit a research proposal to the department. The supervising faculty member must also submit a statement supporting the student’s proposal. This must be done in the semester prior to the beginning to the project. Once the honors proposal is approved, the student will register for HIS 495 for the first semester under the Honors Program, and HIS 496 for the second semester. The senior thesis resulting from the student’s research will read by two faculty members and a member of another department, as arranged by the supervising faculty member. Upon the recommendation of the supervising faculty member and with the consent of the additional readers, the student will graduate with an Honors Diploma from the History Department.