Language Recommendation
History majors are encouraged (but not required) to exceed the General Education language requirement. Advanced language skills are necessary for those interested in pursuing graduate training in History. Such students should contact the Chair or other faculty members to discuss this further. History Majors may exchange up to 8 units of advanced language classes (at UC Merced or approved courses offered elsewhere including in summer language institutes) for their Additional History Courses Requirement with consent of Chair.
History Honors Program
UCM History majors may petition to join the Honors Program, which will have additional requirements beyond the standard History major. Undergraduate majors who are accepted and successfully complete the Honors Program will receive a notation to that effect upon their diploma at graduation.
To be eligible for the Honors Program, a History major must achieve a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, a minimum GPA of 3.3 in the major and a minimum grade of B+ in HIST 100: The Historian’s Craft . Applications from qualified students will be considered by the History Honors Committee (composed of Academic Senate faculty in History).
Applications require a proposal and letter of support from a faculty member. The letter of support requirement serves two critical functions: 1) it encourages students to speak with faculty mentors about their research interests, allowing them the opportunity to develop their communication skills; 2) it also allows faculty mentors the chance to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the student’s ability and potential for completing an honors thesis. Please contact SSHA Academic Advising for more information.
Transfer Students
Transfer students who wish to major in History should complete the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) at their community college. Transfer students may not be admitted to the History major without specific major preparation. Please contact the Office of Admissions for current information.
Transfer Selection Criteria
To be admitted to the History major transfer students must meet the following requirements and have a minimum overall GPA of 2.4:
Applicants will, at the time of admission have completed at minimum each of the following courses (or their equivalent) with a “C-” or better:
- At least two UC-Transferrable Courses in History (students are strongly encouraged to complete two courses that have been approved as equivalents to specific UC Merced courses, including at least one world history course, as this will prepare students for upper division courses at UC Merced)
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