History Pathway Guide

Preparation for Transfer as a History Major

The following sequences are suggested courses to take in your semesters prior to transferring to SMU as a history major. For students attending a Texas public community college or university, Texas Common Course Numbers (TCCNS) are listed.  If you are transferring from a college or university outside of Texas, click on the SMU course for a course description which may be used to select/compare courses at your current institution.

CC listings refer to SMU’s Common Curriculum, which all undergraduates are required to complete. Refer to the Common Curriculum Transfer Guide   for a list of courses satisfying CC components. Interactive equivalency guides organized by transfer institution are available on the Transfer and Transition Services’ website.

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The History Program

The study of history offers students an opportunity to investigate the past, gain perspective on the present, and develop their critical faculties.  History provides students a sense of human development and interrelatedness, and an understanding of social processes.

The William P. Clements Department of History offers small classes, usually 25 to 30 students. Junior seminars (12 students per section) provide intense training in research and writing.  Our 24 faculty members specialize in fields including North America, Latin America, Europe and the non-Western world.  The department’s courses include rich offerings in ethnic and women’s studies and in the history and culture of the American Southwest.

Symposia and Research

The Stanton Sharp Lectures and Symposia are supported by Ruth Sharp Altshuler, honoring her son Stanton Sharp. Inaugurated in 1991, the Sharp events bring to the SMU campus some of the nation’s most distinguished scholars for lectures, discussions and interaction with students, faculty and members of the community.  The Sharp Endowment also enhances faculty research and teaching. 

In addition, the William P. Clements Center for Southwest Studies promotes research, publishing, teaching and public programming in a variety of fields related to Texas, the American Southwest and the U.S. - Mexico borderlands. 

The Center for Presidential History seeks to advance understanding of the history of the American presidency through research and the Collective Memory Project.

Majoring in History

One major and one minor are offered by the department.  To Major in History , students need to complete a total of nine history courses (33 hours).  Students must take at least six semester hours in each of the following three areas:

(1) United States history,

(2) European history, and

(3) African, Asian, or Latin American history. 

At least 18 semester hours in courses at the 3000 level or higher are required of all majors. All advanced courses for the major must be passed with a grade of C- or better, and majors may not take history courses pass/fail.  History majors must earn a 2.00 minimum GPA in their history coursework.

HIST 4300 - Junior Seminar in Research and Writing  is required.  It counts as three hours of the 18 advanced hours required for the major, but cannot be counted toward area distribution requirements for the major.

Students with a general interest in history may pursue a minor by taking 15 semester hours of departmental coursework.  Nine semester hours must be taken at the 3000-5000 level.  Students may transfer in no more than two of the five courses required for the minor.  Only one of the three required advanced courses may be transferred in.

Preparing for a Smooth Transfer

A seamless transfer to SMU and the History program requires planning. This guide is designed to assist you in planning your transition. Taking the time to prepare for your move lays the best foundation for success. The following are a few important points to remember:

• The second language requirement of the Common Curriculum   may be satisfied by 1) transferring two terms of college courses in the same world language, 2) placing out of four terms of world language by taking an SMU placement test or through AP or IB credit, or 3) being literate in a native language other than English.
• SMU accepts AP scores of 4 or 5.
• Work on the Common Curriculum   prior to transfer is highly encouraged.
• Compare Course Descriptions  found in SMU’s University Catalog to course descriptions at your current institution to maximize your awarded transfer credits.
• For additional information on the History major, visit our department homepage or call 214-768-2984
• For more information about transferring to SMU, click here or call 214-768-3417.

SMU Degree

A degree from SMU is typically comprised of a minimum of 122 hours, 60 of which must be completed through SMU, 42 of which must be in courses at the 3000 and higher levels. Components of the degree include:

• Courses in your major.
• Courses required for the Common Curriculum (CC) .  
• Elective courses.  These electives may be used to add a second major or minor.

The Common Curriculum (CC)

The Common Curriculum is required of all undergraduate students and consists of three main components: 

1. Foundations - 6 hours of Writing courses, 3 hours of Quantitative Reasoning courses, proficiency in a second language. 
2. Breadth - 7 Breadth courses which may double count with majors and minors.
3. Proficiencies and Experiences - 8 Proficiencies and Experiences requirements, met through coursework or approved, noncredit activities.                                                                                                                           

NOTE: If you transfer with 23 or fewer credit hours and/or transfer in your first year out of high school, transfer work earned prior to high school graduation (dual/concurrent credit) will not satisfy CC requirements.

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Click here for more information about transferring to SMU.