UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM

FAQs about Undergraduate History Courses and the Major

1. How can I get into a course that is closed?
To be “forced” into a course that has reached its maximum enrollment, you must obtain permission from the instructor. The Undergraduate Office of the History Department cannot help you. Only the instructor of the course in question has the authority to admit extra students over the enrollment cap—and this is only possible if the fire code limit for the classroom has not been reached.

If the instructor agrees to admit you to the course, your next step is to contact the Assistant to the Chair of the History Department, Gloria Paveljack (gep@buffalo.edu). She is the person who can actually put your name into the computer. To do this, she needs to see written permission from the instructor. You can go to see her in person or e-mail her (including a forwarded e-mail from the professor agreeing to admit you to the class).

2. How do I get accepted as a History major or minor?
After you have fulfilled the basic requirements (two History courses with a C or better), you need to fill out an application and come in to the Undergraduate office for advisement. Try to avoid the Drop/Add period at the start of the semester and the last two weeks of the semester, as both are times when there are often long lines.

3. Can I use World Civilization courses to qualify as a History major?
Yes, the department will accept World Civ courses toward the 12-course requirement for graduation as a History major. When you apply, however, we would like at least one of your 2 courses to be a regular history course.

4. Do I need to make an appointment to talk to an advisor in the History Department?
No appointment is necessary. The Undergraduate Office (Park 540) is open for walk-in consultations several days a week. Hours are posted each semester. You can call the department to find out these times (645-2181).

5. Are there any prerequisites for history courses?
No specific courses are required, but students are encouraged to begin with lower-division (100-and 200-level) classes before taking upper-division (300- and 400-level) ones.

Last updated: Friday, May 21, 2004