History

The History program at Columbia University offers students a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of the human past, spanning diverse regions, periods, and themes. This program is designed to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of historical processes and their impact on contemporary society. Students engaging in the program have the opportunity to study a wide array of topics, including ancient civilizations, medieval history, early modern studies, modern world history, and contemporary issues. Through a combination of coursework, research, andfieldwork, students learn to analyze primary and secondary sources, develop well-founded arguments, and communicate their ideas effectively. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to incorporate insights from fields such as economics, politics, sociology, and cultural studies to enrich their understanding of history. Faculty members are distinguished scholars actively involved in original research, offering mentorship and guidance tailored to individual academic interests. Columbia's location in New York City provides unique access to a wealth of historical resources, including museums, archives, and cultural institutions, enabling students to enhance their studies with practical experiences. The department also offers various specialized tracks and electives, allowing students to focus on areas such as African, American, European, Asian, or Latin American history. In addition to undergraduate studies, Columbia University provides robust opportunities for graduate research, fostering the development of future historians. The program encourages critical engagement with historical narratives, fostering an awareness of diverse perspectives and the complexities of historical interpretation. Graduates of the Columbia History program are well-equipped for careers in academia, education, public history, journalism, policy analysis, and beyond. They gain not only a thorough knowledge of historical facts but also the analytical and research skills necessary to interpret and contextualize the past, making meaningful contributions to society. Whether pursuing academic research or practical applications, students emerge from the program prepared to think deeply about historical questions and their relevance to contemporary issues. This vibrant academic community, combined with Columbia University's rich resources and global reputation, makes the History program an exceptional choice for students passionate about understanding the complexities of human history.

The History Department offers a large number of courses, taught by approximately sixty faculty, that cover all periods of recorded human history. The Barnard History Department offers its own set of courses, most of which are open to Columbia College and General Studies students. There are additional history courses and historians in related departments (Classics, Religion, MESAAS, EALAC, etc.).

Courses address the histories of the Ancient World, Europe, Middle East, Africa, East Asia, South Asia, Latin America, and the United States. Some courses cut across geographical boundaries to deal with transnational themes. Other courses focus on religious, intellectual, social, economic, legal, or political history, as well as historical theory and method.

There are two types of courses: lectures and seminars. Lectures, normally worth 4 points, generally meet twice a week for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Most lectures have required weekly discussion sections. Lectures range from the very large (over 300 students) to the very small (fewer than 15). Therefore, the nature of the classroom experience will vary. Most lecture courses require a midterm and a final examination; many require one or two short papers. 1000-level lectures are broad surveys of extended historical periods; 2000-level courses are more specialized lectures. Course numbers do not represent a sequence and most courses do not require prerequisites. However, students typically find it useful to move from general to more specialized courses.

Seminars, worth 4 points, are generally smaller; most are capped at 15 students. Seminars explore narrower topics more deeply through concentrated reading in the secondary literature on a topic, primary source research, or both. These classes meet once a week for 1 hour 50 minutes. Seminars normally do not have a midterm and a final examination, but rather require more written work and a substantial final paper. Only a few seminars have prerequisites, though students who have taken lecture courses in related fields will often find themselves better prepared to address the seminar's content.

In Fall 2016, the Department will be numbering all courses according to a new system:

• UN 1xxx - Introductory Survey Lectures (undergraduate students only)
• UN 2xxx - Lectures (undergraduate students only)
• UN 3xxx - Seminars (undegraduate students only)
• GU 4xxx - Seminars open jointly to undergraduate and graduate students

Requirements

1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). You are urged to visit www.toefl.org as quickly as possible for more information on this examination. A minimum score of 600 (paper-based test) or 100 (Internet-based test) is necessary for admission to Columbia. Your score must be reported directly to Columbia by the testing service, using report code 2116.
2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System). You are urged to visit www.ielts.orgas quickly as possible for more information on this examination. A minimum score of 7.0 is necessary for admission to Columbia. Your score must be reported directly to Columbia Undergraduate Admissions.
3. If you have a 650 or higher on the Critical Reading or Writing sections of the SAT, or a 29 or higher on the English or Reading sections of the ACT, you are exempt from taking an English proficiency examination.
4. An official high school transcript from all high schools attended
5. One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile
6. The completed Mid-Year Report
7. Autobiographical information
8. $85 application fee or fee waiver request
9. Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities
10. Personal essay
11. Columbia-specific questions
12. SAT or the ACT
13. The appropriate SAT code is 2116 and the appropriate ACT code is 2717
14. Two Teacher Recommendations. For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

The financing of the History program at Columbia University is primarily rooted in a comprehensive financial aid system designed to make education accessible and affordable for all qualified students. Columbia University offers a variety of financial support options, including federal, state, institutional grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. The university's commitment to affordability is reflected in its generous need-based financial aid program, which meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students.

For domestic students, Columbia participates in federal financial aid programs such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), providing access to federal grants like the Pell Grant and federal student loans. Additionally, students are encouraged to apply for Columbia’s own institutional scholarships and grants, which do not require repayment and are awarded based on financial need or merit. International students are also considered for merit-based scholarships and external funding sources, although they are less likely to qualify for federal aid programs.

Columbia University’s financial aid policies prioritize meeting the full demonstrated financial need of undergraduate students, making it possible for talented students from diverse economic backgrounds to attend without the burden of excessive debt. The university also offers various loan options, including federal student loans and institutional loan programs, to cover remaining costs after grants and scholarships are applied. Work-study programs enable students to work part-time on or off campus, earning funds to help offset educational expenses.

Graduate students in the History program can also access fellowships, research funding, and teaching assistantships that provide financial support throughout their studies. Many of these positions include stipends and tuition waivers, enabling students to focus on their academic pursuits without financial strain.

Columbia’s financial aid administration provides transparent information about application procedures, eligibility criteria, and deadlines, ensuring that prospective and current students can plan their finances effectively. Moreover, the university offers financial counseling services to help students navigate their options and manage their educational expenses responsibly. Overall, the financing framework of the Columbia University History program reflects the institution’s dedication to fostering an inclusive academic environment through extensive financial support mechanisms.

The History program at Columbia University offers a comprehensive exploration of past events, civilizations, and historical processes across various periods and regions. Students have the opportunity to engage with a diverse curriculum that encompasses European, Asian, African, Middle Eastern, and American histories, fostering a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness of the world's historical narratives. The program emphasizes critical analysis, research skills, and the ability to interpret primary sources, preparing students for careers in academia, education, public history, journalism, policy analysis, and other fields that value historical expertise.

Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, with options to customize their academic journey through a range of specialized electives. The department promotes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to incorporate perspectives from political science, literature, anthropology, and other disciplines to enrich their understanding of historical contexts. The curriculum includes foundational courses in early civilizations, modern history, and historiography, as well as seminars that delve into specific themes such as migration, empire, revolution, and social movements.

The program benefits from Columbia’s location in New York City, providing students with unique access to museums, archives, cultural institutions, and ongoing historical research projects. Faculty members are distinguished scholars renowned for their expertise and active engagement in current historiographical debates. They mentor students through individual research projects, senior theses, and internships, fostering a vibrant academic community dedicated to rigorous inquiry.

Columbia’s History Department also encourages students to participate in study abroad programs, enhancing their global perspective and linguistic skills. The department hosts lectures, conferences, and workshops that facilitate engagement with leading historians from around the world. The program aims to equip students not only with detailed historical knowledge but also with transferable skills in critical thinking, written and oral communication, and analytical reasoning. Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue advanced degrees, work in cultural institutions, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and the media, demonstrating the program’s versatility and relevance in today’s diverse professional landscape.