B.A. in History

Everything has a history.

The study of History emphasizes critical, applicable skills in reading, writing and reasoning to prepare students for careers in law, business and management, research, public service, and education. Our curriculum encourages students to explore various regions and eras through course work in the history studio, digital history projects and the study of artifacts, and provides opportunities for internship experiences and study abroad.

Explore the past to discover more about the world, your community and even yourself.

The History major blends core requirements with great choice permitting students to pursue particular interests while developing a broad understanding of the historic past. Students will have the opportunity to design, in consultation with faculty advisers, approximately two-thirds of their program to suit their needs and interests. The major offers students an opportunity for independent research and to present their findings at regional or national conferences. History prepares students for a broad range of challenging careers.

History courses introduce students to the nature of history and survey the globe in a historical context. The 100- and 200-level courses are world or regional surveys, covering extensive periods of time, while the 300- and 400-level courses are focused on one theme, time period or geography. The upper-level courses require extensive analysis of sources and texts, and they include a research assignment that showcases the students' ability to develop and present their own historical interpretations.

The major requires three core courses: HIST 101, HIST 102 and HIST 395. Majors must take eight additional courses: Two on the 200 level and six on the 300 and 400 levels—with at least three of the upper division courses taken at the 400 level. In addition, majors must take one upper-division course in each of the following fields: U.S., Europe and World history. For students writing a senior honors thesis, only three hours of HIST 499. Honors may be counted among the three 400-level courses required for the major.

We know that success requires equal parts intellect and action. At JMU, that’s what Being the Change is all about.

When students graduating from James Madison University proudly walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, they’re more than just educated. They’re members of a fellowship of doers. They know how to make things happen. They’ve honed their ability to think critically. They’ve learned the importance of a strong work ethic and they’ve become committed to and skilled at collaborating with others. Diplomas in hand, they leave campus determined to live lives of meaning and pursue careers of purpose.

Only two hours from Washington D.C., JMU is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education. That’s because students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty who are at JMU because they want to pursue knowledge and teach talented students.

JMU students, faculty and alumni are using equal parts intellect and action to succeed in every sort of pursuit: they’re boosting innovation and discovery, leading in business, advancing culture, improving health care, reforming education, renewing civil society, competing in athletics — they’re Being the Change in every imaginable way.