Fresno Pacific University

What you'll study

The major requires core introductory and methods courses, era-focused courses, electives and a capstone project. Core and methods include HIST 120 Ancient Civilizations; HIST 130 Medieval and Early Modern Civilizations; HIST 140 Modern Civilizations; HIST 150 American Civilization; HIST 300 Historical Research and Writing Methods; and HIST 462 Historiography.

• Era required courses (18 units): Ancient (choose two) — HIST 360 Ancient Greece; HIST 365 Ancient Rome; HIST 367 The Ancient Near East. Medieval/Renaissance/Reformation — HIST 368 Ancient and Medieval Rhetoric or LIT 400 Medieval Life, Thought and Literature. Modern (choose two) — HIST 395 Modern Europe; HIST 406 Modern Asia: History, Politics and Culture; HIST 418 Modern Middle East: History, Politics and Culture; HIST 440 California History and Politics; SOC 410 American Ethnicity and Pluralism.
• Electives (6 units): choose two from courses such as HIST 364 Classical Mythology; HIST 425 Twentieth Century America; HIST 486 Topics in History; LIT 355 American Literature: Beginnings to 19th Century; LIT 360 American Literature: 20th Century; LIT 405 England in the Renaissance World; LIT 415 Shakespeare; REL 360 Religions of the World. Other substitutions require program director approval.
• Capstone (4 units): HIST 483 Projects in History (must complete 4 units total, usually as 2 units in two consecutive semesters). Both parts address interpretation, Christian faith and religious experience in history, philosophical and theological implications of historical work, and development of a historical practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants submit an application (online or mail), send official transcripts to the Office of the Registrar, and are encouraged to complete the FAFSA (FPU FAFSA code 001253). Recommended high-school preparation includes 4 years of college-preparatory English; 3 years of college-preparatory mathematics; 2 years of social studies; 1 year of laboratory science; 1 year of performing art; and 3 years of the same foreign language with a C- or better. Fresno Pacific’s accepted students typically have GPAs around 3.2–3.6; prospective students should consult an admission counselor about eligibility.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared to pursue advanced degrees in history, theology or philosophy and to enter careers where historical research and communication matter. Common pathways named by the program include secondary teaching, law, library science, archival management and public history; alumni may also leverage research and writing skills in related public-facing or policy roles.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Fresno Pacific directs applicants to its Cost & Financial Aid resources and encourages completing the FAFSA (add FPU using code 001253). The university’s admissions and financial-aid offices can advise on scholarships, grants and institutional aid options; contact information for Undergraduate Admission is provided by the institution for next steps.