History is more than names and dates; it is the study of the human experience in all its facets, not just what happened, but how and why. If you're curious about the whys behind landmark events like the fall of Communism or Neil Armstrong walk on the moon, then our history program will interest you. Learn to think critically, develop research skills, and communicate more effectively. Clarify your understanding of human behavior past, present, and future. Experience our multi-disciplinary program and be informed by voices from diverse groups. You will build a foundation for careers in settings such as libraries, museums, and other cultural enterprises or prepare for further academic study. Our full range of courses explores history across the continents, with traditional scholarship and contemporary focuses on race, gender, ethnicity, and environmental history.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | 2.5 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| Foreign Language | Optional |
| Study Abroad | Recommended |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
Historians portray the past with all its complexity, illuminating the tensions and synergies between human agency and larger historical and environmental forces in order to inform honest debate on past and current events by engaged, critical, and dynamic communities.
Student Learning Outcomes
Historians portray the past with all its complexity, illuminating the tensions and synergies between human agency and larger historical and environmental forces in order to inform honest debate on past and current events by engaged, critical, and dynamic communities.
The Tools of a Historian’s Discipline
More Information
Take the following 39 units with a minimum GPA of 2.5 with a grade of "C" or better in each course. At least 18 units must be taken at NAU.
History - Introductory Surveys (12 units)
Set Two (6 units)
* Please note that you may take HIS 100 and HIS 102 to fulfill either the Set One or the Set Two History Introductory survey requirement in this major, but you can't use this set of courses to fulfill both requirements.You must complete a minor of at least 18 units from those described in this catalog. In consultation with your advisor, you should select a minor that is appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. Your minor advisor will advise you about this part of your academic plan.
We encourage you to consider the interdisciplinary minors described in this catalog, particularly Asian Studies, Ethnic Studies, Latin American Studies, Native American Studies, Women's and Gender Studies.
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
If you meet the following criteria, you become eligible to receive History Departmental Honors when you graduate.
To obtain Departmental Honors, you must:
The History Department strongly encourages you to study abroad or intern abroad. For more information on global learning opportunities, benefits, or requirements, please consult the History Department website and your advisor.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.