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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
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2018-2019

History

College of Humanities and Sciences

 
Program description

The Bachelor of Arts in History requires a minimum of 120 credits, with at least 36 of those credits in history. Students must complete HIST 300 with a minimum grade of C prior to enrolling in more than six credits of 300- or 400-level history courses. The history curriculum exposes students to a multidimensional analysis of the human past. Knowledge gained through such analysis not only has the intrinsic appeal of any disciplined intellectual inquiry, but also constitutes an indispensable basis for active citizenship and for critical thinking about the society in which the student lives. Historical training at the undergraduate level leads to personal and social awareness within the rich tradition of the liberal arts. It also provides students an ideal preparation for a wide range of careers and further professional study.

Students in the program can take advantage of a wide range of courses with thematic, topical, national or chronological emphases to fulfill requirements and electives. Students should consult with their advisers each semester to design a program that meets these requirements and suits their interests and career objectives.

Career opportunities
Career opportunities An undergraduate degree in history is good preparation for a wide variety of careers, including in public history, law, public administration, education, not-for-profit management, or business (including sales, marketing, and administration), as well as for graduate study in History. Students in History who take the appropriate coursework in the sciences also go on successfully to graduate programs in medicine. History undergraduate students would do well to seek leadership roles in school or community organizations, and to gain experience in the fundraising and grant writing techniques which support not-for-profit organizations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are imperative for most careers related to history, politics, or government administration. Part-time and summer jobs, internships, and volunteer positions are critical to gaining the experience and skills that employers seek.
Bachelor-level job titles
  • Audio-Visual and Multimedia Collections Specialist   
  • Film and Video Editor
  • Library Technician
  • Museum Technician and Conservator  
  • Park Naturalist  
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Recreation Worker
  • Research Assistant
  • Secondary School Teacher
  • Social and Human Services Assistant 
  • Staff and Legislative Assistant  
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
  • MATH 131
Science required
  • Core only
Foreign language requirements
  • Yes
Additional tuition/fees
  • No
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.0

Contact information

Department name:
Department of History
Building/room location:
811 and 813 S. Cathedral Place
Phone:
(804) 828-1635
Email:
history@vcu.edu
http://history.vcu.edu/
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map compass icon
Major map

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
  • Complete UNIV 111,112, 200.
  • Consider taking foreign language and math.
  • If schedules and skills allow, consider HIST 300.
  • Attend Course Fair, History's Sophomore Transition Experience.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Attend one event or speaker sponsored by the Department of History.
  • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events!
  • Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
  • Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations on campus.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers and job titles in field of study.
  • Complete Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
  • Build a LinkedIn profile with Career Services.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Visit the VCU Money Spot (http://themoneyspot.vcu.edu) to meet with a peer financial coach.
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with academic or career advisor.
  • Explore Career Pathways on VCU Career Services’ website.
  • Practice independent living skills (such as money management, self-care, time management, and personal responsibility.).

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Plan to meet all 100-Level requirements of the History major.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
  • Attend Course Fair, continue with language as needed, and complete HIST 300 by fall semester.
  • Consider how to meet area requirements in the HIST major and work towards that goal to avoid a scheduling bind later on.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA).
  • Join a History club (Alexandrian Society or History Now).
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break, and other leadership and service events.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Look into meeting the Area 3 requirement by taking coursework BOTH in the 100 level AND at the upper-division level, deepening knowledge of a particular "non-western" region.
  • Seek out opportunities to use your foreign language skills beyond the classroom.
  • Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
  • Get to know other VCU students from all over the world at a monthly Global Café!
  • Consider short-term, semester and year long Study Abroad opportunities.
  • Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Engage in an active process of career exploration via HIST department programming (ongoing sequence of workshops) and via Career Services.
  • Create a draft resume and come to drop-ins at VCU Career Services to have it reviewed.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs throughout the year to explore your interests.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Conduct numerous informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
  • Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • See an advisor at least once, each semester.
  • Begin making a plan for choice of capstone: HIST 490 if there is a topic you particularly like, or HIST 493 if seeking to do an internship.
  • Continue to be aware of the HIST area requirement each semester.
  • Students considering graduate school should consider research projects.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
  • Attend a program through the Wellness Resource Center.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Look into meeting the Area 3 requirement by taking coursework BOTH in the 100 level AND at the upper-division level, deepening knowledge of a particular "non-western" region.
  • Take a course that links diversity to your field of study.
  • Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Seek consciously to make the capstone (490 or 493, into a career skill stepping-stone and career-building opportunity.
  • Identify at least three career options within your field of interest that you may want to pursue.
  • Meet with a career adviser to discuss your career direction and create an action plan.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Based on career goals, talk to a career/academic advisor or a faculty member about whether graduate school or a job fits your career goals.
  • Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings in desired fields. Revisit gap analysis assessment and continue adjusting strategic career plan with Career Services.

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Students MUST complete capstone (490 or 493).
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Present at the Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
  • Build your intercultural competence by engaging with international students on campus by becoming a conversation partner to an international student.
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
  • Attend OMSA Tunnel of Oppression.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Gain practical experience related to your career goal through internships, externships and skill building.
  • Take on a leadership role in a student organization or club or go deeper in your service opportunities.
  • Expand your network and remember that you can network anywhere.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Complete necessary exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for your next steps.
  • Research employers and create a job or grad school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2018-2019

History

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):
No concentration
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Year 1
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
  • Complete UNIV 111,112, 200.
  • Consider taking foreign language and math.
  • If schedules and skills allow, consider HIST 300.
  • Attend Course Fair, History's Sophomore Transition Experience.
  • Attend one event or speaker sponsored by the Department of History.
  • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events!
  • Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
  • Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations on campus.
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers and job titles in field of study.
  • Complete Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
  • Build a LinkedIn profile with Career Services.
  • Visit the VCU Money Spot (http://themoneyspot.vcu.edu) to meet with a peer financial coach.
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with academic or career advisor.
  • Explore Career Pathways on VCU Career Services’ website.
  • Practice independent living skills (such as money management, self-care, time management, and personal responsibility.).
Experience Year 2
  • Plan to meet all 100-Level requirements of the History major.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
  • Attend Course Fair, continue with language as needed, and complete HIST 300 by fall semester.
  • Consider how to meet area requirements in the HIST major and work towards that goal to avoid a scheduling bind later on.
  • Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA).
  • Join a History club (Alexandrian Society or History Now).
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break, and other leadership and service events.
  • Look into meeting the Area 3 requirement by taking coursework BOTH in the 100 level AND at the upper-division level, deepening knowledge of a particular "non-western" region.
  • Seek out opportunities to use your foreign language skills beyond the classroom.
  • Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
  • Get to know other VCU students from all over the world at a monthly Global Café!
  • Consider short-term, semester and year long Study Abroad opportunities.
  • Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.
  • Engage in an active process of career exploration via HIST department programming (ongoing sequence of workshops) and via Career Services.
  • Create a draft resume and come to drop-ins at VCU Career Services to have it reviewed.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs throughout the year to explore your interests.
  • Conduct numerous informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
  • Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Year 3
  • See an advisor at least once, each semester.
  • Begin making a plan for choice of capstone: HIST 490 if there is a topic you particularly like, or HIST 493 if seeking to do an internship.
  • Continue to be aware of the HIST area requirement each semester.
  • Students considering graduate school should consider research projects.
  • Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
  • Attend a program through the Wellness Resource Center.
  • Look into meeting the Area 3 requirement by taking coursework BOTH in the 100 level AND at the upper-division level, deepening knowledge of a particular "non-western" region.
  • Take a course that links diversity to your field of study.
  • Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office.
  • Seek consciously to make the capstone (490 or 493, into a career skill stepping-stone and career-building opportunity.
  • Identify at least three career options within your field of interest that you may want to pursue.
  • Meet with a career adviser to discuss your career direction and create an action plan.
  • Based on career goals, talk to a career/academic advisor or a faculty member about whether graduate school or a job fits your career goals.
  • Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings in desired fields. Revisit gap analysis assessment and continue adjusting strategic career plan with Career Services.
Excel Year 4
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Students MUST complete capstone (490 or 493).
  • Present at the Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
  • Build your intercultural competence by engaging with international students on campus by becoming a conversation partner to an international student.
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
  • Attend OMSA Tunnel of Oppression.
  • Gain practical experience related to your career goal through internships, externships and skill building.
  • Take on a leadership role in a student organization or club or go deeper in your service opportunities.
  • Expand your network and remember that you can network anywhere.
  • Complete necessary exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for your next steps.
  • Research employers and create a job or grad school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.