History
Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T) History · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Students graduating with an Associate in Arts in History for Transfer Degree are well positioned to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in a similar major within the California State University system with 60 units of upper-division coursework. Students who complete the History AA-T degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework and earn a minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major. While a minimum 2.0 is required for CSU admission, some majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult a counselor for more information.
Lower-division history courses taken at Orange Coast College will introduce students to the broad sweep of historical events both within the United States and across the world and help them better understand the complexities of the contemporary world. To accomplish this, students learn to view the world from the perspective of people of different times, places, and circumstances. They learn that there is not just one simple explanation of the past. Foundationally, students will learn to ready and analyze historical resources in the effort to develop valid arguments.
The most obvious application of a bachelor’s degree in history is to prepare individuals to teach, pursue historical research, and work in the museum field. In addition, the insights into the human experience and the skills gained through the study of history - to think clearly and analytically and to communicate effectively both in writing and orally - are excellent preparation for careers in many fields including data analysis, the criminial justice system, public service, and business.
Program Outcome
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will be eligible and prepared for admission (SB 1440 and Education Code 66746) to California State University system schools.
- Students will demonstrate through historically-based research essays the ability to comprehend, analyze, and synthesize information from a variety of primary and secondary sources
Requirements
Associate Degree for Transfer Requirements
The following is required for all AA-T or AS-T degrees:
- Minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
- Minimum GPA of at least 2.0 in all CSU transferable coursework. While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors require a higher GPA. Consult with a counselor for more information.
- Completion of a minimum of 18-semester units in the major as detailed in the Degree and Certificate section of this catalog. All courses in the major must be completed with a grade of C (or “P”) or better.
- Certified completion of the Cal-GETC/Breadth.
- A minimum of 12 units in residence within the Coast Colleges (Orange Coast College, Golden West College and/or Coastline College).
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| HIST C1001 | History of the United States to 1877 | 3 |
| orHIST C1001H | History of the United States to 1877 - Honors | |
| HIST C1002 | United States History since 1865 | 3 |
| orHIST C1002H | United States History since 1865 - Honors | |
| List A - Six (6) units: | 6 | |
| HIST A161 | World History 1 | |
| orHIST A161H | World History 1 Honors | |
| orHIST A180 | Western Civilization 1 | |
| orHIST A180H | Western Civilization 1 Honors | |
| HIST A162 | World History 2 | |
| orHIST A162H | World History 2 Honors | |
| orHIST A185 | Western Civilization 2 | |
| orHIST A185H | Western Civilization 2 Honors | |
| List B (Area 1) - Complete one (1) course from the following (or any course not yet taken from List A): | 3 | |
| HIST A101 | Afro-American History | |
| HIST A144 | History of Latin America | |
| HIST A145 | History of Mexico | |
| HIST A150 | Ethnic Groups of the United States: Their Histories | |
| orETHS A150 | Ethnic Groups in the United States: Their Histories | |
| HIST A176 | Women In U.S. History | |
| HIST A187 | Women in History | |
| orGNDR A187 | Women in History | |
| List B (Area 2) - Complete one (1) course from the following (or any course not yet taken from List A or List B area 1): | 3 | |
| HIST A140 | The California Experience | |
| HIST A195 | History of England and Greater Britain | |
| HIST A198 | The World at War | |
| Total Major Units | 18 | |
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) | up to 34 | |
| Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirement | Varies | |
| Total Degree Units | 60 | |
- Some program major units may also meet GE requirements.
Program Sequence - Cal-GETC
Program Sequence - Cal-GETC
These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| HIST C1001or HIST C1001H | History of the United States to 1877or History of the United States to 1877 - Honors |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 1A - CHOOSE ONE | 3 |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 1C - CHOOSE ONE | 3 |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 6 - CHOOSE ONE | 3 |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| HIST A161or HIST A161Hor HIST A180or HIST A180H |
| ADT LIST B COURSE (AREA 1)- CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 1B - CHOOSE ONE |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 2- CHOOSE ONE |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 3A- CHOOSE ONE |
| Summer |
|---|
| ELECTIVE (UC/CSU TRANSFERABLE) 1 |
Year 2
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| HIST A162or HIST A162Hor HIST A185or HIST A185H |
| HIST C1002or HIST C1002H |
| POLS C1000or POLS C1000H |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 5B with Lab - CHOOSE ONE 2 |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| ADT LIST B (AREA 2) - CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 3A - CHOOSE ONE |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 5A - CHOOSE ONE 2 |
| ELECTIVE (UC/CSU TRANSFERABLE) 1 |
- VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 TRANSFERABLE UNITS. Not all courses are UC transferable. Please check with your counselor to ensure you have enough transferable units for your transfer goal.
- Lab can be taken with 5A or 5B
- American Institutions Requirement - Cal-GETC GE AREA 4 and CSU Graduation Requirement OR take another course from Cal-GETC GE AREA 4