History

The Bachelor of Arts in History at California State University offers students a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the past, spanning from ancient civilizations to modern global events. This undergraduate program is designed to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of historical processes and their impact on contemporary society. Through a diverse and rigorous curriculum, students will examine political, social, economic, cultural, and intellectual developments across different regions and time periods. The program encourages active engagement with primary and secondary sources, fostering strong research and writing skills essential for careers in education, public history, government, or graduate studies. Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as American history, European history, Asian history, or global history, among others, tailoring their academic pathway to their interests and career objectives. The program also emphasizes the importance of global perspectives and intercultural understanding, preparing graduates to participate thoughtfully and effectively in a diverse and interconnected world. Furthermore, students benefit from faculty expertise, state-of-the-art resources, and internships that provide practical experience. The History major at California State University is committed to academic excellence, fostering a vibrant intellectual community where students can critically analyze historical narratives and develop well-informed viewpoints. Graduates of the program are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers across various sectors, including education, research, public policy, archival work, and beyond. By completing this program, students gain a rich understanding of history's relevance to contemporary issues and are prepared to become thoughtful, informed citizens and professionals.

Lower Division Required Courses (15 units)
6 units of World Civilizations:

HIST 211 World Civilizations: Origins to 1500* 
HIST 212 World Civilizations: Since 1500*

6 units of American History

HIST 270 The United States to 1877† 
HIST 271 The United States since 1877†

3 units in Methodology

HIST 280 The Historian’s Craft*

Upper Division Required Courses (31-33 units)
9-12 units in History of North America

Students should select at least three courses from the following list:

HIST 333 History of Southern California Chicana/o Art* 
HIST 334 Narratives of Southern California* 
HIST 335 American Ethnic Images in Novels and Film* 
HIST 349 History of Business and Economics in North America* 
HIST 350 Chicano History and Culture† 
HIST 351 History of African Americans
HIST 369 California History and Culture 
HIST 370 United States Colonial History 
HIST 371 The Founding of the United States 
HIST 372 United States Industrialism and Progressivism 
HIST 373 American Labor History 
HIST 374 United States since 1945 
HIST 401 United States Immigration History, 1840-1945 
HIST 402 Southern California Chicana/o History and Culture* 
HIST 403 The American Intellectual Tradition 
HIST 420 History of Mexico 
HIST 421 Revolutionary Mexico, 1876-1930 
HIST 470 People and Everyday Life in Early America

9-12 units in World History

Students should select at least three courses from the following list:

HIST 310 History of the Mediterranean 
HIST 319 European History, 1871-1945 
HIST 320 European History 1945 to the Present
HIST 330 History of Science: Non-western Origins and the Western Revolutions* 
HIST 340 History and Psychology of Nazi Germany*
HIST 342 Environmental History*
HIST 360 History of Colonial Latin America*
HIST 361 History of Modern Latin America* 
HIST 365 Themes in World History* 
HIST 366 Oceans of World History 
HIST 380 History of Pacific Islands 
HIST 391 Traditional China 
HIST 392 Modern China 
HIST 393 Contemporary China 
HIST 394 Traditional Japan 
HIST 395 Modern Japan 
HIST 396 East Asia: Then and Now 
HIST 436 Psychology and History of Asian Warrior Cultures* 
HIST 442 African Diaspora* 
HIST 451 History of Africa Since 1800*
HIST 452 History of Southern Africa Since 1600*

6 units in Thematic History

Students should select two courses from the following list:

HIST 330 History of Science: Non-western Origins and the Western Revolutions*
HIST 338 Theatre in History*
HIST 342 Environmental History*
HIST 365 Themes in World History* 
HIST 366 Oceans of World History 
HIST 412 Law and Society* 
HIST 413 World Religions and Classical Philosophy* 
HIST 414 Women in History 
HIST 415 Society and Radicalism

HIST 490 Special Topics (3) can be taken to fulfill major requirements. Its category depends on the topic offered.

3 units in Historiography

HIST 491 Historiography

1-3 units in Capstone or Internship or Service Learning

HIST 492 Internship/Service Learning (1-3) 
HIST 494 Independent Research (1-3) 
HIST 497 Directed Studies (1-3) 
HIST 499 Capstone (1-3)

History Electives

HIST 272 Constitutional History of the United States†
HIST 275 History of United States to 1900† (for LS majors)
HIST 331 Narratives of the Working Class*
HIST 430 Tradition & Transformation: Literature, History & Cultural Change*
HIST 445 Chicano Child and Adolescent*

International Freshmen Checklist  

International Transfer Checklist 

Financial Affidavit for Undergraduate applicants 

Submit all application documents to the Center for International Affairs. 

*Transfer Students: We are currently accepting applications from all community colleges in the U.S.  Please make sure that you have at least 60 units and have completed “Oral communication”, “Written communication”, “Critical thinking” and “College level mathematics/quantitative reasoning” with “C” or better.  Please note that the Nursing programs are closed for international students.  

English Score

Submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other acceptable test (see below for list of tests).  Scores must be sent directly to CSUCI from testing agency.

Acceptable English Placement Exams

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum Paper-Based score of 500, a minimum Computer Based score of 173 or a minimum Internet Based score of 61.

IELTS – International English Language Test System with an overall band score of 6.0.

*Transfer students: It’s not necessary to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score if you have completed the required Freshman Composition Class at your community college.

There is no specific information available regarding dedicated financing studies or specialized financial coursework within the History undergraduate program at California State University. Typically, programs in History focus on developing critical thinking, research skills, and an understanding of historical contexts rather than financial expertise. However, students interested in finance-related topics may have opportunities to explore economic history or participate in interdisciplinary courses offered across the university. The university encourages students to seek internships, research projects, and extracurricular activities that can provide practical financial and administrative experience related to historical scholarship. Additionally, California State University offers resources for financial aid, scholarships, and budgeting assistance to support students throughout their academic journey, which may include funding options for research or study-abroad programs connected to their History studies. While a dedicated financing studies specialization within the History program is not available, students can complement their degree with courses in business, economics, or public administration to gain financial knowledge. The university’s career services also assist students in pursuing internships or employment opportunities that can provide practical financial management experience. Overall, students interested in the financial aspects of history or related fields should consider combining their History major with related coursework and engaging with university resources that support financial literacy and professional development.

The Bachelor of Arts in History at California State University offers students a comprehensive understanding of historical events, periods, and themes, emphasizing critical thinking and analytical skills. The program encompasses a diverse curriculum that includes the study of American, European, Asian, Latin American, and global history, allowing students to develop a well-rounded perspective on past societies and their impacts on contemporary issues. Students have the opportunity to explore various historical methodologies, including historiography, and are encouraged to conduct independent research supported by primary and secondary sources. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in education, government, law, journalism, public history, and other fields that benefit from strong research, writing, and analytical capabilities. Throughout their studies, students engage with faculty who are actively involved in research, offering mentorship and opportunities for advanced scholarship. The university provides resources such as the university archives, museums, and digital collections to support student projects and internships. Additionally, the program emphasizes the development of communication skills through writing assignments, presentations, and discussions. Students also have the flexibility to tailor their coursework to align with specific interests, including world history, historical theory, or regional studies. The program requires completion of core courses, electives, and a capstone project or thesis, culminating in a comprehensive understanding of historical processes and their relevance today. Graduates are equipped not only with historical knowledge but also with skills applicable in various professional settings, making them competitive in a broad range of career paths. The program is designed to foster critical engagement with historical issues and encourage lifelong learning and informed citizenship.