History Major Study Away Advising Guide

The Global Education Office and the History Program have compiled the following information for History majors to assist in planning for a semester of study away. Students should let their Academic Advisor know as soon as possible about their plan to study away so they can help fit this experience into the student’s graduation plan. If no History advisor has yet been selected, please consult with the History Program Chair, Prof. Kalé Haywood. Declared students may also want to discuss study away plans with the Program Chair.

Academic Planning Prior to Going Away

Successfully Complete the Following Courses Before Studying Away

To be eligible to study away, students in the History major must successfully complete the following courses at Allegheny prior to studying away:

  • FS-101, FS-102 OR SWS-105 *wording TBD 
  • Courses sufficient to allow planning and scheduling the full Major with your History advisor. Students should develop an eight-semester plan to complete the Major. 

When should I study away?

It is recommended that students in the History major study away anytime between the  second sophomore semester and the end of the junior year. Exceptions may be approved in consultation with the Academic Advisor and Program Chair. A full year of study away may be considered – please consult with your advisor. 

Allegheny’s graduation requirements state that a student’s final 16 semester credit hours before graduation must be taken in academic residence on campus, therefore study away during the second semester senior year is not allowed without the permission of the Dean’s Exemption Committee.

Plan Around Your Junior Seminar/Senior Project

The History Junior Seminar cannot be taken while studying away. Students studying away for two semesters may concurrently enroll in the Junior Seminar and HIST 600 in the Senior year. Students should plan to complete HIST 600 and HIST 610 in consecutive semesters. The History Junior Seminar is offered every semester.

How Studying Away Counts Towards the Major

There is no limit on the number of credits from study away that can transfer back towards the History major.

Most HIST courses taken while studying away transfer to Allegheny College as 100 or 200-level HIST courses. For example, national and/or regional surveys are 100-level courses. The History Program recommends that students register for such courses as they are a wonderful opportunity to study the area from an internal perspective. However, if 300-level credit is sought, please consult the Academic Advisor and/or Program Chair when selecting courses. Save all syllabi so that appropriate transfer equivalency can be assigned once a course has been completed. 

Suggested Programs for History Majors in the History Program

Any of the programs on the Global Education website are compatible with a History major. Just what specific programs and course offerings might contribute well to your major may be discussed with your advisor. Choose a program that interests you and schedule a meeting!