Welcome to the Undergraduate Program
The Department of History prides itself on facilitating a close cooperative relationship between students and faculty members. Such an environment fosters a positive learning experience by encouraging intellectual exchange.
Undergraduates who major in history work toward the Bachelor of Arts degree. Upon completion of the required introductory courses in world and United States history, a student may choose from a wide variety of junior- and senior-level courses. These include advanced courses in the history of the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The department also offers a minor in history and a graduate studies program for an M.A. and a Ph.D. in history.
Why Study History?
In today’s world, people who can read critically, analyze information, argue persuasively, write well, conduct research, and envision themselves as global citizens are highly sought after. Studying history prepares you for a variety of careers!
Degree Requirements and Course Descriptions
See what you need for a History major or minor, including degree plans and what courses we offer! Our Fall 2022 History Courses Brochure features the undergraduate courses we're offering. To check out the rest of our offerings, to the Baylor University course catalog.
Academic Advising
The College of Arts & Sciences Advisement (CASA) center advises undergraduate students typically with 0-89 credit hours. Patrick Broaddus is the CASA advisor for History (click here to schedule an advising appointment). Dr. Daniel Watkins, our History Undergraduate Program Director, is also available to help answer questions regarding the major and minor, and advises history students with over 90 credit hours.
Financial Aid and History Scholarships
The Student Financial Service office has several resources to help you navigate the financial process. The Department of History also has scholarships specifically for history majors!
Undergraduate Publication Opportunities
We encourage students of history to publish their research. See here for a list of history and interdisciplinary journals that publish undergraduate research papers!
Study Abroad
Baylor offers many options for studying abroad (summer, fall, and spring semesters)!
Phi Alpha Theta
Our Baylor chapter of Phi Alpha Theta offers leadership opportunities for undergraduate and graduate history students and promotes academic excellence. Phi Alpha Theta is an active presence in the Department of History and hosts various events throughout the year!
Model Organization of the American States (MOAS)
Participate in the MOAS program and receive History or Political Science credit (up to 6 hours)! Students learn key economic, social, educational, political and security issues facing the Americas as well as parliamentary procedures for debate, caucusing, how to function in working groups of countries that share common interests, and the operation of the committees that report to the General Assembly. MOAS students can also participate in regional, national and international Organization of American States (OAS) conferences. Dr. Joan Supplee is the MOAS faculty advisor.
Honors Options
The Honors College brings together four innovative interdisciplinary undergraduate programs -- the Honors Program, University Scholars, Baylor Interdisciplinary Core, and Great Texts. History majors can participate in any of these programs.
Paul L. Foster Success Center
The Paul Foster Success Center helps guide students by using appropriate resources to facilitate the learning process as they pursue their personal and academic goals.
Research and Facilities
Research opportunities and facilities abound at Baylor. A few examples of particular interest to historians and students of history include: The Institute for Oral History, The Texas Collection, Keston Center for Religion, Politics, and Society, W. R. Poage Legislative Library, Armstrong Browning Library, and the Baylor University Libraries (including the Interlibrary Services).