Mission Statement
The History Department combines teaching and research at the highest levels. Department faculty past and present have won some 18 Distinguished Teaching Awards and 12 Distinguished Publication awards from the University. The undergraduate and graduate programs provide students with a grounding in research and writing skills, and coursework in the history of the United States, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. Department faculty explore the past from a variety of perspectives, including urban and social history, cultural history, history of women and gender, political history, economic history, legal history, diplomatic, military and international history. In upper division tutorials and proseminars, faculty work with undergraduates in small classes.
The Department also seeks to foster student research through a number of special programs and research seminars that involve trips to archives and historic sites. Through its internship program, the Department gives students an opportunity to gain practical experience in a variety of fields while getting credit toward their degree.
Academic Advisement
Seeking academic advisement is essential to academic success and timely graduation. Students interested in History should consult with Department’s Advisor prior to declaring the major. All History majors and minors should seek advisement from the Advisor or a faculty member specializing in their area of interest prior to registration. Students undertaking the Social Science Subject Matter Program (SSSMP) need to meet each semester with the SSSMP Advisor in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (call (818) 677-3566 or email sssmp@csun.edu) to identify the classes they need to take. Additional academic advisement is also available to students through both the department advisor and staff advisors in the College’s Student Services Center/Educational Opportunity Program Satellite. Please call (818) 677-2658 to schedule an appointment.
- Undergraduate Advisor: Nan Yamane
- General Advisement: All members of the Department
- Graduate Coordinator: Clementine Oliver
- Social Science Subject Matter Program (SSSMP): Miriam Neirick
- Pre-law: James Sefton
Careers
History trains students in critical thinking, research and writing. History majors commonly go on to careers in law, business, education, library science, public policy and public service, diplomacy and journalism.
Students who are interested in teaching can undertake the Social Science Subject Matter Program (SSSMP) while completing the History Major. Interested students are encouraged to contact the History Department at (818) 677-3566 to make an appointment with the SSSMP advisor.
The History Department offers an internship program for students who wish to develop work experience. The faculty internship coordinator works individually with each student to set up an internship appropriate to the student’s interests.
3+3 B.A./J.D.
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and Southwestern Law School have established a joint, accelerated multiple-degree program through which students can earn both their Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees in six years, rather than the usual seven. Students participating in the 3+3 B.A./J.D. Program will have their first year of law school count as the fourth year of their undergraduate education. For information on how the History major aligns with the joint B.A./J.D., please see the Department advisor.
Clubs and Societies
The History Department is home to the CSUN chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national honor society for history students. Undergraduates who have completed four history courses and have a GPA of at least 3.1 in history and 3.0 overall are eligible to become members. Graduate students who have completed four courses towards their master’s and have at least a 3.5 GPA are also eligible.
Scholarships and Awards
Through the generosity of donors, the History Department is very pleased to be able to give out a number of scholarships and awards to outstanding students every Spring. Awards that students can apply for include the Baur Scholarships (for outstanding History Majors) and the Patterson Scholarships for students pursuing a K-12 teaching career. Applicants must have declared a major in History or be enrolled in the M.A. program. For more information, consult the History Department website or call the History Office.
International Studies
The Department of History supports international education and encourages students to investigate opportunities for overseas study. Certain courses taken at CSU International Program Study Centers in foreign countries are equivalent to courses in the Department of History and may be used to fulfill some of the requirements for Degree Options offered by the Department and/or certain general education requirements. Students should consult the International Programs Bulletin available in the International and Exchange Student Center, a Departmental advisor or the campus International Programs Advisor for more information.
Social Science Subject Matter Program for the Single Subject Credential
History majors interested in teaching social studies at the middle school or high school level may combine their major program with the Single Subject Social Science Subject Matter Program to meet requirements for entering a Single Subject Credential Program. For information on the CSBS Single Subject Social Science Subject Matter Program, look under Social and Behavioral Sciences in this Catalog. The Departmental Advisor also can provide assistance in coordinating the completion of both the major and the subject matter program simultaneously.
Contact
Chair: Richard S. Horowitz
Sierra Tower (ST) 612
(818) 677-3566
www.csun.edu/history