Learn how societies and cultures of the past help us understand present day events
Majoring in history builds your critical thinking skills.
Get More Info
Major Concentration
Students who Choose the Major Concentration in History Must Complete:
Students must take 10 major courses under the five fields of study: United States; Europe; Asia; Atlantic World; and Ideas, Theories and Practices. For these 10 courses, students must take at least 2 courses in 3 fields of study. No more than 3 courses in each field of study will count towards the major. The 10 major courses must include one 100-level course (designated either HIST 101, HIST 102, HIST 105, HIST 106, HIST 117, HIST 118 or HIST 119), three 200-level courses, and six 300-level courses.
In addition to the 10 fields of study courses, History majors are required to take 3 courses on historical methodology. The first, HIST 220: "Method in the Madness": An Introduction to Historical Research, requires successful completion of ENGL 111 as a prerequisite. The second, HIST 320: Historiographical Methods, may only be taken after the successful completion of 18 credits in history. The final course, HIST 495: Senior Seminar, may only be taken after successful completion of HIST 320. It is recommended that majors should not take more than one additional history course in the same semester as 320 and 495 because these courses require students to create a piece of original research. HIST 320 and HIST 495 may not be taken in the same semester.
Introductory Fields
Students must take at least two course in three fields of study. No more than 3 courses in each concentration will count towards the major.
Fields of Study
Students must take at least tow courses in three fields of study. No more than 3 courses in each concentration will count towards the major
American History
European History
Asia
Atlantic World
Ideas, Theories and Practices
Topics Courses (HIST 295 and 395)
Topics courses are offered on occasion in special areas. Topics courses will be slotted under certain fields of study and can be used to fulfill the requirements in those fields
Required
The major concentration in history has a 21-residency requirement.
The History Minor (15 credits)
Students Who Choose to Minor in the History Concentration Must Complete
Students must take 4 courses at the 200 level and above slotted under the five fields of study: United States, Europe, Asia, Atlantic World and Ideas, Theories and Practices.
In addition, History Minors are required to take HIST 220: "Method in the Madness" : An Introduction to Historical Research, a course focused upon historical methodology. This requires successful completion of ENGL 111. History minors are not required to take HIST 320 or HIST 495.
The Four-Plus-One Program
History majors planning on pursuing a career in teaching Social Studies at the Middle Childhood and/or Adolescence Education level may apply to the Four-Plus-One Program, offered jointly by the School of Education and the School of Liberal Arts. The program is designed to allow majors to begin their Graduate Education coursework during their upper junior year. These courses will be counted jointly toward their undergraduate and graduate degrees. For specific program eligibility and requirements, please refer to the School of Education of this catalog.
Downlad a copy of the Academic Sequence Map for:
We are all historians. From remembering your name to where you parked your car, your sense of what has occurred in the past makes it possible for you to find the right words and make well informed personal and work decisions.
The value of history cannot be overstated. Without it you cannot understand a culture, a country or the world. Not to mention yourself.
For those who want to make a career in history, Mercy College is a great place to start. Our award-winning full-time faculty hold prestigious degrees and have published scholarly books in several fields. They teach required courses - so you get the attention you deserve.
Courses for the History major are offered at the Dobbs Ferry and Yorktown campuses every Fall and Spring semester in both day and evening sessions. Selected major level courses are also available online.
In addition to the content of history, students are taught to read, write, speak, and think with increased imagination, sophistication, and precision. The History major also provides special training in research and analysis, opening up opportunities in business, law, paralegal work, educational administration, and teaching at the primary, secondary, or college levels.
By the end of this program, students should be able to: