Undergraduate Studies in History
Beginning in the fall semester of 2009, the Department of History offers three different majors that are each designed to provide Carnegie Mellon students with options combining depth, breadth and flexibility in preparing themselves for leadership in professional careers and/or for future studies in graduate and/or law school. These options are the B.A. in History, the B.A. in Global Studies and the B.A. or B.S. in Ethics, History, & Public Policy.The B.A. in History
The B.A. in History offers both new courses and more sequencing, to help students build both cumulative knowledge and interpretive skills. Enhanced offerings at the 200- and 300-level allow maximum flexibility in meeting requirements and maximum choice in focusing on particular themes, places, or eras. New upper-level courses will give students majoring in History more time together in smaller classes and more experience working with primary and secondary sources. A new senior capstone seminar, “Advanced Studies in History,” emphasizes original research and analytical writing – skills that prepare graduates for professional careers as well as for graduate or law school.
The B.A. in Global Studies
The B.A. in Global Studies contributes to the university’s focus on internationalization and is designed to help students understand the specific character of the present period of world history in relation both to the past and to emergent trends and challenges. An interdepartmental major, Global Studies is based in the Department of History but also draws faculty from the departments of English, Modern Languages, and Philosophy. Coursework on transnational processes, advanced language training, and direct experience abroad will make Global Studies an attractive choice for those who wish to pursue graduate study or careers in law, teaching, government, business, and international development. For more information, please contact John Soluri, Director of the Global Studies program at jsoluri@andrew.cmu.edu.
The B.A./B.S. in Ethics, History, and Public Policy
The B.A./B.S. in Ethics, History, and Public Policy prepares students for leadership positions in law, public policy, ethics, and advocacy by providing them with a rigorous, interdisciplinary humanistic and social-scientific education. It also serves as an excellent foundation for graduate study in a variety of disciplines. The program focuses equally on the historical understanding of how modern-day problems have evolved and on the importance of developing clear criteria for ethical decision-making. Offered jointly by the departments of History and Philosophy, the B.A./B.S. in EHPP encourages specialization, internship experiences, and research in a wide range of policy areas.
Please Note: As of fall 2009, the B.A. in History, B.A. in Global Studies, and B.A./B.S. in Ethics, History and Public Policy will supersede the former majors in “Social and Cultural History,” “Anthropology and History,” and “History and Policy” – respectively.