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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
  4. History
  5. History Handbook

History Major Requirements

Performer at History encampment

The history major at Penn State Altoona seeks to train students broadly yet also allow them the flexibility to pursue special areas of interest. A minimum of 37 credits in history is required for the major.

History majors begin by laying a strong foundation for studying the past by taking two of the three survey sequences in U.S. history, European history, and World history. Students in the major must also take the undergraduate seminar, History 302W, sometime in their sophomore or junior year. This course introduces them to essential questions concerning the philosophy of history, research methodologies, and historiography (which is the history of how history has changed over time). Students will then be prepared to meet the higher expectations in the areas of critical reading and research found in the 400-level courses, 12 credits of which they must complete.

The final requirement of the history major is the senior capstone, which forms the most distinctive feature of the Penn State Altoona history program. Students may pursue either the research track or the applied track, depending on their interests and career plans. The research track entails the writing of a senior thesis under the direction of a faculty thesis adviser on a subject of the student's own choosing. The applied track consists of an internship experience, again under the direction of a faculty adviser, at a site where the student can use and develop their essential skills in a professional setting commensurate with their intended career.

History graduates at Penn State Altoona will thus be both well trained and positioned for success as they then move on to either post-graduate study or right into a profession.

History

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  • Teaching Social Studies
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Out-of-Class Learning

Explore out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including study abroad/study away programs, internships, undergraduate research, and community-based studies.

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See Also

  • Division of Arts and Humanities
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Student Affairs
    • Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
    • Safety at Penn State Altoona
    • Housing
    • Athletics
    • Career Services
    • The Help Tool
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
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