Honors (History)
History majors who have completed 75 credits (a minimum of 15 in history, 6 of which must have been taken at George Mason) with a 3.50 overall GPA and a 3.50 GPA in history are eligible to apply to the history honors program. Candidates must have completed or be enrolled in HIST 300 at the time of application. The statement of application should include two Mason history faculty members as references. If a major part of the student’s work includes transfer credit, transcripts may be required. Not all applicants who meet the minimum requirements are guaranteed acceptance into the program.
To graduate with honors in history, students must complete HIST 490 and 491, which are linked, individualized courses usually given by the same instructor. Students must have completed at least one course in the field (or with the professor) chosen for these honors courses. HIST 490 should be taken before 491, although they may be taken concurrently. Either course may be taken concurrently with HIST 499 Senior Seminar in History. These 6 credits must be passed with a minimum 3.50 GPA, and the overall history GPA presented for graduation must be a minimum of 3.50. These 6 credits may be counted toward the 36-credit major requirement in history, but they do not replace HIST 499.
For more information and application procedures, please contact the Undergraduate History Director, Prof. Joan Bristol (jbristol@gmu.edu).