History, B.A., Suggested 4-Year Plan

How to Use your 4-year Plan

This is a suggested 4-year plan for your major and not meant to replace regular academic advising.
The plan is flexible and can be changed to accommodate studying abroad, a second major/minor(s) or AP/IB credits.
You should work with an academic advisor to develop a plan that meets your interests and goals.
You must earn a minimum of 120 credits to graduate and 45 major-specific credits to earn a B.A. in History.
Transfer students and those looking to add B.A. in History as a second major should contact the program advisor for degree planning.
If you have any questions, please contact Shira Klein at skein@chapman.edu.

Suggested 4-year Plan

We encourage you to select your General Education (GE) and minor/second major/Themed Inquiry/Honors program around the plan below. Once you fill your GE classes around your major classes, you will have a better idea of space remaining each semester when choosing your Exploration Focus.
To be enrolled full time, you must take at least 12 credits a semester.
In order to graduate within 4 years, we recommend you take 30 credits a year.

Year 1

In the first year, plan to enroll in 100-200 level history courses. History majors need to take four 100-level classes and three 200-level courses.

Fall Semester (6 credits for major)

HIST 100 or 200 level class (3 credits)
HIST 100 or 200 level class (3 credits)

Spring Semester (6 credits for major)

HIST 100 or 200 level class (3 credits)
HIST 100 or 200 level class (3 credits)

Year 2

Fall Semester (6 credits for major)
HIST 296 - History Seminar 3 credits
OR
HIST 100-200 level class (3 credits)
HIST 100 or 200 level class (3 credits)
Spring Semester (6 credits for major)
HIST 296 History Seminar (3 credits) or 100-200 level class (3 credits)
HIST 100 or 200 level class (3 credits)
Enroll in HIST 296 in the Fall or Spring semester, and continue with 100-200 level history courses remaining.

Year 3

Fall Semester (6 credits for major)
HIST 398 - The Historian’s Craft 3 credits
OR
HIST 300 level course (3 credits)
HIST 300 level course (3 credits)
Spring Semester (6 credits for major)
HIST 398 The Historian’s Craft (3 credits) or HIST 300 level course (3 credits)
HIST 300 level course (3 credits)
Enroll in 300-level history courses. History majors need to take four 300-level classes. Enroll in HIST 398 in the Fall or Spring semester.

Year 4

Fall Semester (6 credits for major)
HIST 496 - Advanced Research Thesis I 3 credits
HIST 300 level course (3 credits)
Spring Semester (6 credits for major)
- HIST 498 Advanced Research Thesis II (3 credits)
- HIST 300 level course (3 credits) [if needed]
Enroll in HIST 496 and 498 in your senior year, and continue with remaining HIST 300-level courses.