1) The major starts with three introductory courses: a Western Civilization sequence (HIS 111 & 112, in any order) and the thematic Problems in American History (HIS 165).

2) As sophomores (or as late-declaring juniors), majors then take The Historian’s Craft (HIS 295), a skills-based introduction to "doing" rather than simply "learning" history. Sophomores also begin their five required 300-level courses.

3) As sophomores, juniors, and seniors, history majors take five required 300-level courses, with at least one course from each of three of broad categories: Pre-Modern Europe and Non-Western; Modern Europe; and The United States.

4) While completing their 300-level courses, senior history majors choose an independent research project for their Research Seminar in History (HIS 495). These carefully advised projects are students’ crowning achievements as history majors.

5) Seniors also face a Senior Comprehensive Exam involving separate interpretive exams on European and American history. These two pass-or-fail exams occur on separate dates and are often taken during different semesters.