Social Studies Composite, Bachelor of Arts
As an integral part of a liberal arts education, history courses introduce students to different historical eras, diverse cultures, famous and ordinary women and men, and a variety of geographical settings. Our courses challenge students to think critically, express themselves clearly, and become informed and responsible citizens in an increasingly interconnected world. Students majoring or minoring in history may become teachers or seek employment in business or government. History is an excellent background for those who wish later to go to law school or enter journalism.
Note: For a PDF version of the degree requirements for this program go to the Undergraduate Programs page on the UTRGV website.
Core Curriculum Requirements – 42 Hours
Students must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements. The courses listed below satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements.
Social and Behavioral Sciences – 3 hours
Major Requirements – 60 Hours (51 advanced)
Social Studies Composite Core – 18 hours (9 advanced)
Required
Social Studies Composite Electives – 42 hours (42 advanced)
Choose 12 hours of United States History courses from:
| HIST 3320 | Colonial America to 1763 | 3 |
| HIST 3321 | The United States, Revolution, and the New Nation, 1763-1815 | 3 |
| HIST 3322 | Rise of the American Nation, 1815-1848 | 3 |
| HIST 3323 | Era of Sectional Conflict, 1848-1877 | 3 |
| HIST 3324 | The Emergence of Modern America, 1877-1929 | 3 |
| HIST 3325 | Twentieth Century America | 3 |
| HIST 3326 | Indians of North America | 3 |
| HIST 3327 | The American Military Experience | 3 |
| HIST 3328 | History of the American Presidency | 3 |
| HIST 3329 | American Legal History | 3 |
| HIST 3330 | The U.S. as a World Power | 3 |
| HIST 3331 | History of American Religious Traditions | 3 |
| HIST 3332 | Mexican-American History | 3 |
| HIST 3333 | Texas History | 3 |
| HIST 3334 | History of the American West | 3 |
| HIST 3335 | American Environmental History | 3 |
| HIST 4321 | The Spanish Southwest to 1821 | 3 |
| HIST 4322 | American Southwest and Borderlands after 1821 | 3 |
| HIST 4323 | History of the Old South | 3 |
| HIST 4324 | History of the New South since 1877 | 3 |
| HIST 4325 | The United States, War, Prosperity, and Depression, 1917-1945 | 3 |
| HIST 4326 | The United States since 1945 | 3 |
| HIST 4327 | History of the American Family and Childhood | 3 |
| HIST 4328 | Gender in the American West | 3 |
| HIST 4329 | Black History and Thought | 3 |
| HIST 4330 | Race and Ethnicity in America | 3 |
| HIST 4331 | Mexican-American Civil Rights | 3 |
| HIST 4332 | Chicano Movement | 3 |
| HIST 4392 | Special Topics in US History | 3 |
Choose 6 hours of European History courses from:
Choose 3 hours of Latin American History courses from:
Choose 3 hours of World History courses from:
Restricted Electives – 18 hours (18 advanced)
Choose 6 hours of advanced History, 6 hours of advanced Political Science, and 6 hours of advanced Economics.
HIST 3301 does not fulfill the HIST elective requirement.
Free Electives – 18 Hours (12 advanced)
Complete 18 hours of free electives, of which 12 must be advanced.
Total Credit Hours: 63
Total Credit Hours: 120
Admission, Progression, And Graduation Requirements, if applicable:
Progression requirements
Majors must earn a grade of ‘C’ or better in HIST 3300 before taking advanced HIST classes, or may progress at the discretion of the instructor.