Undergraduate
Advising
Whether you're exploring the major, planning your course schedule, or preparing for graduation, our advising team is here to support you every step of the way. We offer personalized guidance on course selection, degree requirements, research opportunities, internships, and career planning. History students often pursue diverse paths, and our advisors are committed to helping you make the most of your academic experience. Connect with us to chart a course that fits your interests, goals, and timeline.
For undergraduate advising, contact James Zalman at historyadvise@usf.edu, who is based on the Tampa campus. For St. Petersburg advising help, reach out to stp-undergrad@usf.edu.
For graduate advising, please reach out to Dr. Jonathan Scott Perry, Graduate Director, after reviewing the MA or PhD program pages.
Advising FAQs
What is the difference between HIS 3002 and HIS 4936?
All History majors must take these two courses, which focus on research skills, practical experiences, professional development, or historical methods:
- HIS 3002: Methods & Materials: This course offers an introduction to the study of history. Students will be introduced to the history of history writing, the uses of primary sources and secondary sources, and the study of historiography. They will also learn about major trends in the historical profession and study the place of history in the public sphere. This course is designed for history majors and will serve as a springboard to HIS 4936.
- HIS 4936: Pro-Seminar: This course will feel like a graduate seminar, where you get to discuss key works of history in a particular field with a faculty expert and a small group of fellow history majors. You will also complete a major research paper involving primary and secondary sources. Students are encouraged to work with the Office for Undergraduate Research to present their research at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences such as the annual Phi Alpha Theta regional conference. Please note that all history majors are required to take one HIS 4936 course but, based on student interest, some majors can elect to take two of them to fulfill another major requirement.
Does the department offer internships related to history?
Yes! HIS 4940: Internship in History encourages students to take part in internships, and offers several for-credit opportunities within the major. Currently, the History department has a variety of internship partners available, including museums and historical societies. Potential internship activities can include working with collections, processing archival materials, research, leading guided tours, and building exhibits. Students will work closely with the undergraduate advisor and faculty coordinator to select internship opportunities.
Will my AP/IB/Dual Enrollment history courses count for the major?
Yes, these will count.
Do I have to concentrate on one area of history?
No, you may wish to concentrate on one area but it is not mandatory.
What is the Pro-Seminar course about?
These are topics offered by Professors with expertise in that field. It is an intense course in which students use their analytical skills to write a major research paper.
How do I get a permit for the Pro-Seminar classes?
Contact the professor who is teaching the class via email and ask for a permit. Once the professor has given you permission, you will receive a permit for the course by forwarding the approval to historyadvise@usf.edu. Please note that St. Petersburg and Sarasota Manatee campus Pro-Seminar offerings do not require a permit,