A program of honors work in history is available to majors, which is separate from but complementary to the University Honors Program. Eligible students may enroll in one or both programs simultaneously, since requirements are similar. Admission to the departmental program is either by application of the student or by nomination from History faculty. Students who enter the program must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 in all course work at NIU and at least 3.50 in history courses. Applications and nominations are made to the Director of Undergraduate Studies and approved by the department’s undergraduate committee. Ordinarily admission to the program should not be postponed beyond the first semester of the junior year.
To graduate “With Honors in History,” a student must be a history major, take a minimum of 18 semester hours of history honors courses, earn a grade of B or better in HIST 495, and maintain the GPA requirements stated above. Most history honors courses are not separate courses but rather subsections of regular courses. HIST 495 will count toward the required 18 semester hours of honors work in history. With the approval of the undergraduate committee, students can contract to do special work (study abroad, field schools, language training, internships, taking a graduate course as an undergraduate, or other experience) that will substitute for up to 6 semester hours of history honors courses. For more information, contact the department’s Director of Undergraduate Studies.
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