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Department of History
University of Mississippi

FAQs

How do I change my major to History?

Download the fillable form to your computer desktop and use the Adobe Reader (version XI, DC, or later) to open it. Then fill out the form, save it, and send it to history@olemiss.edu as an attachment. If you do not have the Adobe Reader, it can be downloaded for free at https://get.adobe.com/reader/. Mac users need to use Adobe Reader rather than the built-in Preview application.

Change of Major Form

 

Can I have two majors?

Yes, you can have two majors. Sometimes this will be a double major (if your second major is also a B.A. within the College of Liberal Arts), sometimes this will be a double degree (if your second major is a B.S. or within another college). See below for the difference between those. If it is a second major, your second major will count as your minor. If it is a second degree, you will still need to satisfy all of the College of Liberal Arts requirements (General Education, History degree requirements, and your second major requirements). If it is a second degree, you will need to satisfy the College of Liberal Arts requirements (General Education, History degree requirements, and your minor requirements) and all of the requirements of your second major; your total credit hours will need to be a minimum of 150 credits. It will take some planning to make sure you complete all requirements, but it can be done.

 

What is the difference between a double major and a double degree?

A student may receive a single bachelor’s degree with more than one major. For example, a student may receive a B.A. degree in the College of Liberal Arts with a double major. Regardless of whether the requirements for the two majors are completed simultaneously or in succession, the university is authorized to award a single degree and diploma in such cases.

A student may receive a second bachelor’s degree of a different degree type (e.g., the first degree being a B.A. and the second being a B.S.) by completing at least 30 additional semester hours in residence from the university with a minimum 2.00 GPA for these additional hours. All requirements for the second degree must be completed, including courses required for the major and general education courses that may be different from those for the first degree program. As an example, if the first degree requires 124 hours, a student must complete an additional 30 hours (154 hours total and including all specific course requirements for both programs) to be awarded a second, different bachelor’s degree. If the two degrees are awarded by the same school/college, then there may be additional rules imposed by that school/college. Two diplomas are awarded in this case, whether or not the requirements for the degrees are met simultaneously or in succession.

If a student has received the first degree from another institution, to receive a second bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi, he or she must satisfy the specific courses for the major with at least 30 hours in residence enrollment and with a minimum 2.00 GPA on work attempted at the university. Note that the 30 hours of University of Mississippi resident work is a minimum and that at least 25 percent of the credit hours required for the degree must be completed from the University of Mississippi.

 

How do I track my progress toward my history major and ensure I’m on track to graduate?

The department uses this form to track student progress toward a history major. You can download a copy and use it to double check that you’re taking all of the courses you need to take in order to graduate according to the timetable you’ve created for yourself.

 

How do I declare or change my minor?

Log into your MyOleMiss account. Click on the Academics tab. Click on the Change Specialization and Minors link. Complete the required fields.

 

Can I have two minors?

Yes. If you have the ability to complete the required courses for your General Education, history major, and both minors within the time you are here, you can absolutely have two minors. It will take some planning to make sure you complete all requirements, but it can be done.

 

What are the requirements for Phi Alpha Theta, the history honors society?

The Kappa Alpha Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta at the University of Mississippi is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who meet the following undergraduate criteria:

* Completion of 12 semester credits of history
* History grade point average of at least 3.1
* Overall grade point average of at least 3.0
* Payment of $50 membership fee

 For further information about Phi Alpha Theta and how to become a member, click here.

 

What is the Forgiveness policy? How do I request Forgiveness?

For further information about the Forgiveness policy, click here.

 

What do I need to earn in my future courses to improve my current GPA?

Please use this calculator.