All University of South Carolina system institutions will be closed through the end of the spring semester. Columbia campus virtual instruction will continue through the end of the Summer II semester (Aug 1). Details can be found on the coronavirus landing page.
Studying history gives you a window to the world. It makes you a critical thinker, gives you a well-informed lens for current events, and helps you understand other cultures on a deep level. When you study at the University of South Carolina you'll be exposed to amazing faculty, hands-on research, and study abroad options.
We offer both a B.A. and a minor course of study. You can find our course schedule
and program descriptions in the academic bulletin.
Undergraduate majors may declare a concentration within the major. A "concentration" means that the student has taken four HIST courses beyond the 100-level in the area/topic.
A student may declare up to two concentrations (three with the permission of the department).
Choosing a concentration is not required for the major, but it is a great way to demonstrate
that a student has specialized knowledge or background in a topic or geographical
region.
* African-American History
* Cultural History
* Digital History and the Computer Age
* Gender and Women's History
* History of Religion
* History of Science, Technology, the Environment, and Medicine
* History of Slavery
* History of Social Justice and Humanitarianism
* Legal History
* Political History
* Public History
* Social History
* War, National Security, and International Relations
Students can develop a custom concentration upon discussion with the student’s advisor
and the Department, dependent upon courses and faculty. Examples of custom concentrations
would be Capitalism, Business, and Economic History; Christian, Islamic, or Jewish
History and Culture; Media History; and Race and Ethnicity.
The Bachelor of Arts with Distinction for history majors requires a rigorous course of study above and beyond that required of a traditional history student.
The senior seminar or senior thesis B.A. with Distinction contract should be signed by the student and thesis advisor/seminar instructor.
All contracts must be submitted to the History Undergraduate Coordinator in Gambrell Hall Rm# 245.
We have two dedicated student-services staff members in our department, Tyler Mcnamara and Jay Pou. They're happy to advise you on course and career advising, study abroad, internship opportunities, and anything else you need to make your time in the history department more rewarding.
We also work hard to make sure all our students are able to take the classes that are interesting to them. If a class is full, you can fill out our seat availability form and be notified if a spot opens.