BYU-Hawaii – History Department – Majors and Minors

The History Department offers students three options: (1) a History major (culminating in a Bachelor of Arts degree in History), (2) a History Education major (culminating in a Bachelor of Arts degree in History Education), and (3) a History minor. Major courses will teach students to read discriminately, write persuasively, and think critically. Beyond history courses, the department also requires its majors to obtain knowledge and experience in other social science areas, including anthropology, geography and political science. No D credit, for any course, may be counted toward completion of any major or minor in the Department. Students desiring to major or minor in history should declare their intent by visiting the academic advisor's office (SSC 120A). 

Some history majors have an opportunity to extend their academic work into practical work experiences while earning credit through internships. Students wishing to receive information on these programs may consult with the coordinators of the major programs or with the Department chair. Also, please visit the internships page (under Students & Friends) of this website or see the Department Chair for more information.

Please notice: In the summer of 2008, the History Department revised its curricular program. History majors who declared their major before Fall 2008, therefore, may be subject to different requirements than majors who declared their major after the beginning of fall 2008. (Majors who declared before the fall of 2008 may switch to the new requirements if they inform the academic advisor.) Please speak to the academic advisor or the Department Chair if you have questions. Be aware, in short, that there are two MAPs for history majors.

For access to MAPs for the History Major and the History Education Major please click on the appropriate links: History Major MAP (new requirements adopted after fall 2008) (excel / pdf), History Major MAP (old requirements employed before fall 2008) (pdf), History Education Major MAP (doc).

MAJOR – B.A. History (39 Hours)

Core Requirements (15 Hours)

History majors are required to complete the following five classes. While there are no prerequisites per se, majors are expected to take History 200 early in their academic career. Also, please read the announcement regarding Hist 485 and Hist 490 reported on this website under Home/Upcoming Events.

Elective Requirements (24 Hours)

In addition to the core requirements listed in the box above, History majors must take eight additional history courses (or 24 credit hours). Six of these courses (18 credit hours) must be upper-division electives (numbered 250 or higher).

To broaden their understanding of world cultures, history majors are also required to complete at least one upper-division course from three of the following four major geographic areas: the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Pacific Islands. First-year students should consider taking HIST 120 and HIST 121, the introductory American History sequence. When selecting elective courses, be advised that students must represent this geographical range to graduate.

The History Department faculty strongly recommend that history majors take at least two years of a foreign language. In addition, History majors are also encouraged to select a minor in a field that enhances their range (and employability). Excellent minors that can be combined with the History or History Education majors include: Asian Studies, Economics, Peace Studies, Political Science, Polynesian Studies, and Public Management. Please refer to the specific departments hosting each or speak with the academic advisor or Department Chair for more information.

MAJOR – B.A. History Education (74 Hours)

Students intending to teach history in the secondary schools will need the History Education major which combines courses housed in the History Department with courses taught by the College of Education. Students opting for this route should consult with the Chair of the History Department as early in their academic career as possible. Students will cultivate an emphasis within the Secondary Education major and so need to consult with faculty from the School of Education and the History Department.

Subject Content Area (38 Hours)

History Education majors are required to complete the following twelve classes. While there are no prerequisites per se, majors are expected to take History 200 early in their academic career. Also, please read the announcement regarding Hist 485 and Hist 490 reported on this website under Home/Upcoming Events. 

Content Elective Credit in History (8 Hours)

In addition to the core requirements listed in the box above, History Education majors must take eight hours of additional history credit. All must be upper-division electives (numbered 250 or higher). The electives must be approved by the history faculty advisor

Education Sequence (36 Hours)

See the College of Education for Education Sequence Courses.

MINOR – History (18 Hours)

Students wishing to minor in history must declare their intent to the academic advisor (located in SSC 120A). A minor in history requires the completion of 18 hours of history credits. Within the 18 hours, students must include History 200 and History 485 and cannot include History 201 or 202. Please consult with a faculty member if you have any questions.

MINOR – Asian Studies (18 Hours)

 A minor in Asian Studies requires the completion of 18 hours of history credits. Click Here (pdf) for a copy of the requirements.  Please consult with a faculty member if you have any questions.