The Major/Minor

Tulane University's distinguished history faculty teach and write about Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and the United States, extending from the ancient to the contemporary world. Not simply the study of the past, history provides us with the tools and knowledge to assess where humanity has been and contextualize our future. History helps us build bridges across time, culture, and geography. Majoring in History provides students the vital tools of the 21st century: analysis, argument, understanding, and communication.

If you wish to declare History as a major or minor, please bring the Declare a Major/Minor form to Professor Karissa Haugeberg, the Director of Undergraduate Studies, during her office hours or make an appointment.

Requirements of the History Major

The History major consists of ten courses totaling at least 30 credits, excluding one-credit courses.

• All majors must take at least three seminars, including two Advanced Seminars at the 6000 level (students who declared their majors prior to 2021 AND have completed a Methods Seminar need only take one Advanced Seminar). The third seminar may be at the 3000 or 6000 level. Seminars must be taken at Tulane.
• At least one Advanced Seminar must be taken during a student’s junior or senior year.
• Students must take at least one pre-1800 course and at least one post-1800 course.
• Students must take at least one course in four of the following six areas: Africa (HISB), Asia (HISC), Europe (HISA and HISE), Latin America (HISL), Middle East (HISM), and United States (HISU).
• No more than three (3) 1000 level courses may count toward the major.
• Courses that do not have a letter grade cannot count toward the major.
• A maximum of two courses from other departments can count towards the major.

The Requirements of the History Minor

The History minor consists of six courses distributed as follows:

• No more than one course at the 1000-level.
• At least one 3000-level seminar.
• At least one 6000-level advanced seminar.
• Courses that do not have a letter grade cannot count toward the major or minor.

Pre-1800 and Post-1800 Courses

Download the list of pre- and post-1800 courses.

Accelerated MA Degree (4+1 Program)

We offer an accelerated Master of Arts Degree in History. This is available only to Tulane undergraduate history majors. By allowing you to transfer 12 semester hours of graduate level courses in history (6000 or 7000-level) into the graduate program, this option will enable you to earn a M.A. in History one year after your undergraduate degree. More details can be found on the 4+1 Program Page.