1. History B.A.
  2. B.A Combined Honours
  3. Concentration in Public History
  4. B.A Honours Co-Op
  5. BGinS with Specialization in Global and Transnational History

two students sitting at a table in front of a bookshelf

The Department of History offers a number of programs of study at the undergraduate level: BA Honours, BA Honours (research essay), BA Honours with Concentration in Public History, BA Combined Honours, BA, and Minor in History. A complete description of these programs is available in the undergraduate calendar. Students should also consult the summary of degree requirements, below, which outlines the differences between these programs and provides information on the requirements for those who wish to minor in History.

The BA Honours program offers hands-on research opportunities for students at the undergraduate level. All Honours students take fourth-year seminars, with small classes and opportunities to do independent research under the guidance of a professor.  Students interested in a full-year research project should consider the BA Honours (research essay) option. Students interested in Public History should consider adding the Concentration in Public History to their BA Honours degree.

Students interested in combining History with another discipline may work toward a Combined Honors degree in History and another subject, or an Honours degree in History with a minor in another subject. Popular Combined Honors degrees include Political ScienceJournalism, Geography and Environmental Studies and English. Students may also combine with interdisciplinary programs such as the Bachelor of Humanities (Great Books)European, Russian and Eurasian Studies, or African Studies.

Students interested in international experience may want to consider the Study Abroad Program or participate in the Exchange Program.

See Courses for information about individual courses.

History B.A.

Degree Requirements

The BA provides a sound introduction to the discipline and can normally be completed in three years. Graduation requires a total of 15.0 credits, of which 7.0 must be History credits, and a minimum 4.0 cumulative grade point average in all History courses completed.

B.A Combined Honours

Degree Requirement

The BA (Honours) adds a fourth year of advanced study during which students take seminars and conduct research under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Graduation requires a total of 20.0 credits, of which at least 10.0 must be History credits, and a minimum 6.5 cumulative grade point average in all History courses completed. The BA (Honours) degree provides students with the option of pursuing graduate work. Since most universities in North America are moving towards 4-year degrees, students with sufficient CGPAs are encouraged to enroll in the Honours program. The Honours program includes the option of completing a major research essay for credit, but this may only be undertaken with the permission of a faculty member willing to supervise the project.

Concentration in Public History

Degree Requirements

The Public History Concentration will provide undergraduate students with new learning and training opportunities, allowing them to pursue a humanities degree while also learning about how academic training and knowledge can be applied to real world problem solving. A complete description of this programs is available in the undergraduate calendar. Students should also consult the summary of degree requirements, below, which outlines the differences between these programs and provides information on the requirements for those who wish to have a concentratioin in Public History.

B.A Honours Co-Op

Degree Requirements

The Cooperative Education Option allows the student to gain valuable practical experience in a work environment related to History. Students admitted to the Co-op Option must satisfy the normal requirements for graduation in the B.A. History (Honours) and three paid work terms, with each work term lasting four months in order to receive the co-op designation on their final transcript and diploma. For more information, please consult Carleton’s Cooperative Education website.

Students interested in work experience may wish to apply for the Co-operative Education Option. Details are included in the Undergraduate Calendar section on Co-operative Education.

BGinS with Specialization in Global and Transnational History

Degree Requirements

Students can study History through the Bachelor of Global and International Studies degree. This 20.0 credit Honours B.G.In.S. degree has four components:

  • A 4.5 credit core course sequence, mandatory for all students in the degree;
  • One of 12 Specializations, of 7.5 credits each, including our Specialization in Global and Transnational History;
  • A language requirement; and
  • An overseas experience requirement.

A complete description of this programs is available in the undergraduate calendar. Students should also consult the summary of degree requirements, below, which outlines the differences between these programs and provides information on the requirements for those who wish to have B.A in BGinS History

* may use HIST 3809 or HIST 3811 instead of HIST 2809 if admitted prior to 2012-13