History - Minor

Historians study the past, in all of its complexity, to better understand our contemporary world and the forces that created it. Historians analyze change over time, and they use archival and other primary-source evidence to build interpretations that explain change and put it into context. In seeking to understand historical subjects on their own terms, and by appreciating the diverse perspectives of past actors, students of history develop empathy even as they rigorously engage with the ethical dimensions of past human decisions and actions. When students study the past on its own terms, they recognize their power to understand the present and shape the future.

History faculty conduct research and teach courses in a wide range of eras—from ancient to modern times—and across most major world areas including Africa and the Middle East, South and East Asia, Europe and the Americas. History faculty also pursue multiple methodologies and approaches, including cultural, diplomatic, demographic, economic, environmental, ethnic, gender, intellectual, legal, political, religious, social and transnational history. 

Students who enjoy taking history courses may want to consider becoming either a history major or minor. In general, the major requires a more in-depth commitment from students, whereas the minor offers students an opportunity for some specialization in history without all the obligations of the major.

For those students already pursuing a major in another field, a history minor might be the more viable option, because the minor requires the completion of fewer overall history courses.

Program Requirements

All coursework applied to the minor must be completed with a grade of C- or better. No pass/fail work may be applied. The GPA for all minor coursework must equal 2.00 or higher. At least 12 of the 21 total credits and 6 of the 12 upper-division credits in History must be in courses taught by CU Boulder faculty.

All history courses taken at any CU campus, even ones not applied to minor requirements, are figured into the minor GPA.

Required Courses and Credits

At least 12 credits must be taken at the 4000-level.

1000- 2000- and 4000-level HIST courses are applicable to the minor. 4000-level courses may be used to fulfill both upper-division credit hours and geographic area credit hours.

HIST 3020 and all 3000-level Senior Seminars are ordinarily restricted to history majors. 3000-level courses may occasionally be taken by minors if the course is not full as of the second week of drop-add and/or you have written permission from the instructor.