History Concentration
Program Description
The Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Humanities and Cultures – History Concentration is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in history or a related field within the humanities or social sciences.
This concentration develops strong analytical, research, and writing skills through the study of historical events, movements, and ideas across diverse cultures and time periods. Students examine how societies evolve, how institutions shape civic life, and how historical context informs contemporary issues. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, interpretation of primary and secondary sources, and the ability to construct evidence-based arguments.
The program provides a broad liberal arts foundation while allowing students to explore areas such as U.S. history, world history, political movements, cultural history, and global perspectives.
Transfer Information
The History concentration is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in history and related disciplines such as political science, public policy, law, international studies, public administration, and education.
Students are encouraged to work closely with faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure course selection aligns with the requirements of their intended transfer institution. Students planning to transfer within New Jersey should explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer (www.njtransfer.org) to review articulation agreements and institutional requirements.
Early planning is recommended, particularly for students considering teacher certification, pre-law pathways, or graduate study.
Career Information
The A.A. in Humanities and Cultures – History Concentration is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for professional roles in history-related fields, and some careers may require graduate study.
With further education, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Historian or Researcher
- Archivist or Museum Professional
- Public Policy or Government Analyst
- Journalist or Writer
- Law (with additional study)
- Secondary Education Teacher (with certification)
Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services as they explore long-term academic and career goals. OCC students may also use Focus2 Career through Ocean Connect to research degree pathways and related professions.
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| PSYC 172 or SOCI 238 | General Psychology or Race and Ethnicity | 3 |
| HIST 173 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| Mathematics Gen. Ed. Requirement 1 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| COMM 154 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| HIST 174 | United States History from 1877 | 3 |
| CSIT 110 or CSIT 123 | Introduction to Computers and Computer Applications or Integrated Office Software | 3 |
| History Gen. Ed. Requirement 2 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| PHIL 191 or PHIL 192 | Introduction to Philosophy or Contemporary Ethical Issues | 3 |
| BIOL 114 & 114L | Principles of Biological Science Lecture and Principles of Biological Science Lab | 4 |
| Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement 3 | 3 | |
| History Gen. Ed. Requirement 2 | 3 | |
| History Gen. Ed. Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| HIST 191 | African-American History | 3 |
| ENGL 255 or ENGL 256 | World Literature Ancient through 1600 or World Literature 1600 to Present | 3 |
| ENVI 152 & 152L | Environmental Science Lecture and Environmental Science Lab | 4 |
| History Gen. Ed. Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Art From Prehistory to Middle Ages | ||
| Art From Renaissance to Modern World | ||
| Introduction to Music Appreciation | ||
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 61 | |
- 1
MATH 151 or MATH 156 is preferred.
- 2
Students should select from HIST 171, 172, 181, or 182.
- 3
ECON 151 or any POLI course is preferred.
- 4
Students should select from HIST 230, 269, 272, or 280.