Apr 09, 2025  
2025-2026 NOVA Catalog 
    
2025-2026 NOVA Catalog

Social Sciences: History Major, A.S.

Location(s): AL, AN, LO, MA, WO


CIP Code: 45.0101

NOVA Code: 882-01

Purpose: This major is designed for students who want to establish a strong foundation in the analytical skills and content related to the study of history, historical methods, and research tools across a variety of subject fields, including U.S., European, World, and Public History.  Graduates who complete the major will be prepared for transfer opportunities and careers in fields that require critical thinking and clear written communications, as well as a deeper understanding of the importance of being an active and engaged citizen. When transferring to a four-year college or university, graduates will have the equivalent skills and knowledge of a junior.

Transfer Information: Students are advised to work closely with the faculty and counseling staff for program and course scheduling. Electives should be chosen carefully to meet requirements of the transfer institution. The responsibility for proper course selection rests with the student.

Two Years


Total 16-17 credits


Total 15-16 credits


Total 16-17 credits


Total 13-14 credits


Total credits for the A.S. Degree in Social Sciences with a Major in History: 60-61 credits


Based on transfer pathways, students have the option of completing four semesters of a World Language or pursuing a History Concentration (U.S. History, European/World History, or Public History). For the History Concentration, students can select from the following courses: HIS 101 HIS 102 HIS 111 HIS 112 HIS 121 HIS 122 HIS 127 HIS 141 HIS 142 HIS 180 HIS 181 HIS 183 HIS 203 HIS 218 HIS 231 HIS 241 HIS 243 HIS 254 HIS 267 HIS 269 HIS 276 HIS 279 , and HIS 281 . Students may also choose a General Education Elective from another discipline, in accordance with the preferences of their transfer institution.

2 Students must take HIS 101  and HIS 102  or HIS 111  and HIS 112  as a sequence, based on transfer partner preference.

3 Students who plan to take MTH 245  should take MTH 154  or MTH 161  first. Credit will not be awarded for both MTH 155 and MTH 245, or for both MTH 261 and MTH 263, or for both MTH 262 and MTH 264. Students should consult with an advisor to ensure mathematics courses meet their intended transfer institution requirement.

4 Select any course listed under General Education Electives . This elective is not needed if selections for all other requirements total 60 credits or more

Select from the following: HIS 121 HIS 122 HIS 127 HIS 141 HIS 142 HIS 180 HIS 181 HIS 183 HIS 203 HIS 231 HIS 241 HIS 243 HIS 254 HIS 267 HIS 269 HIS 276 HIS 279 , and HIS 281 .

See humanities/fine arts courses listed under General Education Electives . Students must choose courses from two of the three areas listed. Credit will not be applied if student takes two courses from the same area.

See physical and life science courses listed under General Education Electives .

U.S History:
HIS 121 United States History to 1877  
HIS 122 United States History Since 1865  
HIS 127 Women in American History  
HIS 141 African-American History I  
HIS 142 African-American History II 
HIS 269 Civil War and Reconstruction  
HIS 276 United States History Since World War II  
HIS 279 Age of the American Revolution 
HIS 281 History of Virginia I  

European/World  History:
HIS 203 History of African Civilizations  
HIS 231 Introduction to Latin American History  
HIS 241 History of Russia I  
HIS 243 History of the Ancient World I  
HIS 254 History of Modern East Asian Civilizations  
HIS 267 The Second World War  

Public History:
HIS 180 Historical Archaeology 
HIS 181 Introduction to Historic Preservation 
HIS 183 Survey of Museum Practice 
HIS 218 Introduction to Digital History