History, B.A. (Madrid)
The study of history provides the social and cultural resources necessary to approach the challenges of present-day society and our membership in a global community. As a history student at SLU-Madrid, you'll learn information-processing skills that are in strong demand in today's job market: analytical thinking, effective use of evidence, research, writing skills, rhetorical abilities and an understanding of cultural differences.
Major in History
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in history, you can complete your entire degree in Madrid, or you can study at both of our campuses, in Madrid and St. Louis.
Few places in the world offer as many Spanish history courses in English as SLU-Madrid. Our internationally recognized faculty have expertise in medieval, early modern and modern European history, with special interests in the interaction of Spain's Christian, Jewish and Muslim cultures, Colonial Latin America, the Spanish Civil War and the Classical Hellenistic World.
At the campus in St. Louis, academic areas of specialization include the 20th century American West, immigration, women's civic and social movements and the African American experience.
For information about the assessment of student learning in this program, please see the University-wide website.
The history major requires 120 credit hours of coursework, including 36 credit hours of history coursework.
Major Requirements (36 credit hours)
Three foundational courses (9 credit hours)
- HIST 1110 Origins of the Modern World to 1500.
- HIST 1120 Origins of the Modern World Since 1500.
- HIST 2800 The Historian's Craft: Methods Proseminar.
History electives totaling 24 credit hours. These must include one 3-credit course from each of the following areas:
- European history.
- Pre-1865 U.S. history.
- Post-1865 U.S. history.
- World history (Asia, Africa, Middle East, Latin America).
A senior seminar (HIST 4900, 3 credit hours). A 3000-level course may be taken as the 4000-level senior seminar, with instructor guidance. The prerequisite for the senior seminar is two history courses at 2700-level or above, and instructor approval.
Minor Requirements
The history minor requires 21 credit hours of coursework, as follows:
Three foundational courses (9 credit hours)
- HIST 1110 Origins of the Modern World to 1500
- HIST 1120 Origins of the Modern World Since 1500
- HIST 2800 The Historian's Craft: Methods Proseminar
History electives totaling 9 credit hours. These must include one three-credit course from at least two of the following areas:
- European history
- United States history
- World history (Asia, Africa, Middle East, Latin America)
A senior seminar (HIST 4900, 3 credit hours). A 3000-level course may be taken as the 4000-level senior seminar, with instructor guidance. The prerequisite for the seminar is two history courses at 2700-level or above, and instructor approval.
A study of history provides students with the analytical and reasoning skills to better understand the context of the world around them. Knowledge of history is beneficial in careers such as journalism, education, business and law.
SLU-Madrid is committed to providing a quality Jesuit education at an affordable price. Tuition rates at the Madrid campus are approximately 40% lower than at comparable private universities in the U.S.
If you have questions or would like to speak with a financial aid officer, email us at financialaid-madrid@slu.edu.
To be admitted to the major, you must have at least a 2.00 cumulative average and complete a declaration of major form, available in the Office of the Registrar. Upon acceptance to the program, you will be assigned a departmental advisor.
To be certified for graduation, you are required to:
- Have at least a 2.00 cumulative average, a 2.00 average in the major and a 2.00 average in the minor or related elective hours.
- Complete 30 of your final 36 credits at Saint Louis University (either the Madrid or St. Louis campus).
- Submit the online application for degree before the beginning of the semester in which you intend to graduate.
Hands-On Study of History
The Madrid Campus offers unparalleled opportunities to visit ancient and medieval cities, historic sites, monuments, archives and libraries.