Seeking academic advisement is essential to academic success and timely graduation. Students interested in History should consult with the 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 of Social and Behavioral Sciences Student Services Center/EOP Satellite. Please call (818) 677-2658 to schedule an appointment.

• Undergraduate Advisor: Nan Yamane
• General Advisement: All members of the department
• Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Richard Horowitz
• Social Science Subject Matter Program (SSSMP): Dr. Patricia Juarez-Dappe
• Pre-law: Dr. James Sefton

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 want 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.

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 toward 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 department website or call the 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.