Degree Programs

The Department of History and Philosophy offers a history major for the Bachelor of Arts degree. It also offers minors in both history and philosophy which are open to all students. Students who have studied history and/or philosophy at The University of Virginia's College at Wise have successfully pursued many different careers including law, private business, journalism, government service, and teaching.

Majors in history must complete HIST 101, 102, 107, 108 and 300 with at least a 2.0 grade point average in those courses. For graduation, the Department requires of its majors a 2.0 average, both overall and in the major. The major program in history meets the Collegiate Professional Certification requirements for teaching history in Virginia public schools. All majors seeking teaching certification, however, are urged to complete the additional course work necessary for a social science endorsement: twelve credits in government; six credits in geography; and six credits in in economics. To be recommended by the Department of History and Philosophy to the Teacher Education Program, a student must have a 3.0 grade point average for all upper-division history courses taken at the College, with a minimum of 24 credits in history courses taken at UVA-Wise. (Those students whose grade point average in upper division history courses is below 3.0 but above 2.5 may be considered for recommendation to theTeacher Education Program, if there are special circumstances warranting such consideration. A request for special consideration must be submitted in writing.)

Six hours course credit will be given to those students who score a 4 or 5 on the ETS advanced placement test in American history or European history. 

Bachelor of Arts in History

Course	Semester Hours
HIST 101, 102 History of Western Civilization	6
HIST 107, 108 American History	6
HIST 300 Introduction to History Research and Writing	3
History electives at 300-level	18
History electives at 400-level*	3
TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS	36

(*400-level courses require a research paper in addition to regularly required work. HIST 300 is a prerequisite for the 400-level course.)

History courses at the 300/ 400-level are grouped into three subject areas: U. S. history, European history, and cross-cultural studies.

U.S. history courses include HIST 306/406 and all courses numbered from HIST 360/460 through HIST 392/492.

European history courses include HIST 393/493 and all courses numbered from HIST 331/431 through HIST 354/454.

Students majoring in history must take at least one upper-division course in each of the three subject areas, with no more than four courses in one area counting toward fulfilling history major requirements. 

Minor in History

A minor in history consists of HIST 300 and 15 additional semester hours, at least nine of which must be in 300- or 400-level courses.

Minor in Philosophy

A minor in philosophy consists of 18 semester hours, at least 12 of which must be in 300- or 400-level courses.