Beginning in Fall 2020, the History Department will offer a 15-credit undergraduate Certificate in History. The certificate is built around the methodological core of History 201, provides students with flexibility to pursue their interests, and offers students four different types of capstone course options, drawn from both History and History of Science. The certificate will offer students a substantive education in history while helping them develop valuable transferable skills.
Questions about the Certificate in History? Email History’s Undergraduate Advisor, Scott Burkhardt, or set up a remote advising appointment via History Starfish page.
Certificate Requirements
Students may use courses from HISTORY and HIST SCI to meet the requirements of the History certificate. The certificate requires 15 total credits/5 courses, including:
History Research and Writing Course – 3 Credits
- History 201 – The Historian’s Craft
(History 201 should be completed before the Capstone)
Elective Coursework – Total of 9 Credits
Any undergraduate courses in HISTORY or HIST SCI may be used to count toward the elective coursework requirement. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an academic advisor or faculty mentor to select a group of courses that fits well with their interests and fulfills their academic or career goals.
- One Intermediate or Advanced HISTORY or HIST SCI course – 3 Credits
- Two additional courses in HISTORY or HIST SCI at any level – 6 Credits
Capstone Course – 3 Credits
Complete at least one of the following:
- History 401 – Public History Workshop
- History 500 – Reading Seminar in History
- Hist Sci 555 – Undergraduate Seminar in History of Science
- History 600 – Advanced Seminar in History
Residence & Quality of Work
- At least 12 certificate credits must be completed in residence.
- Minimum 2.000 GPA on all certificate courses.
Notes – Up to 3 credits awarded for approved examinations (e.g. AP or IB) or a transfer course may count toward elective coursework. The 12-credit residence requirement is meant to encourage students to engage with UW-Madison faculty and advisors and to choose their elective coursework intentionally. Ideally, these courses will complement their major or be related to other intellectual or career interests.