Explore the Past, Shape the Future
Dive into the rich tapestry of human history and gain a deeper understanding of societies, cultures, and global events with the History Transfer Major degree at Iowa Lakes. This program enhances your knowledge of the past and equips you with essential skills in critical thinking, communication, and research—qualities highly valued across many professions.
You’ll develop a strong foundation in historical analysis through courses such as U.S. History to 1877, Western Civilization, and U.S. History Since 1877. Upon completing the program, you’ll earn an Associate in Arts (AA) degree, positioning you for a seamless transfer to Iowa’s regent universities, including the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Iowa, and Iowa State University. You will obtain a bachelor’s degree upon transfer to Iowa’s regent Universities.
With your History Transfer Major degree, you’ll unlock various career opportunities, from historical consulting and research to teaching, archiving, and writing. Our dedicated advisors will help ensure you meet the specific transfer requirements of your chosen university, making your transition smooth and stress-free.
Explore career opportunities and salary expectations in history through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. Ready to take the next step? Connect with an enrollment coach today and start your journey into the past!
Find Your It!
Your Pathway to a Career in History
Develop Essential Skills for a Broad Range of Careers
A history degree opens doors to education, government, museums, law, and research careers. The History Transfer Major at Iowa Lakes provides the analytical and writing skills necessary to succeed in these diverse fields while laying the groundwork for further academic pursuits.
Seamless Transfer for Academic Success
Completing your AA degree ensures you fulfill all necessary general education requirements, with your transfer major clearly outlined on your transcripts. To earn a Transfer Major Degree, you must complete all required coursework and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Since transfer requirements vary, working with an advisor is key to aligning your coursework with your future institution.
Program Highlights:
- Transfer-Ready: Meet general education requirements and easily transition to a four-year institution.
- Career-Focused: Develop skills needed for diverse professions in history and beyond.
- Guided Pathway: Collaborate with an advisor to ensure alignment with your transfer university’s requirements.
Program Details
Length
4 Terms
Degree
Associate in Arts (64 credits)
Campus
All Campuses & Online
Additional Information
Term 1
ENG 105 – Composition I
Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET, COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy
HIS 151 – U.S. History to 1877†
Study of national foundations, colonial background, revolution, confederation and institutions; nationalism and expansion. The growth of democracy and war plus reconstruction are analyzed.
SDV 103 – Successful Learning
Students master the academic and personal skills needed to succeed in higher education and in life. Content will cover academic, communication and life management skills. Goal setting, time management, note taking, test taking and how to be a lifelong learner will also be covered.
Plus Math: 3 credits
Plus Science: 4 credits
Plus Elective: 3 credits
Term 2
ENG 106 – Composition II
Continuation of ENG 105 with emphasis on research and documentation as well as literary analysis.
Prerequisites: ENG 105 – Composition I
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
CSC 116 – Information Computing
This course presents the basic concepts of information systems and computer literacy. The course incorporates theory as well as hands-on practice which focuses on spreadsheets and database management systems (DBMS).
HIS 152 – U.S. History Since 1877†
Covers re-union growth of big business, expansion and World War I, rise to world power, isolation, modern industry, depression, recovery and internationalism.
Choose either CSC 110 or CSC 116
Plus Math: 3 credits
Plus Science: 4 credits
Term 3
HIS 110 – Western Civilization: Ancient to Early Modern†
Surveys the origins of human civilization in the Near East, the great rise of Greece and Rome and concludes with the Enlightenment.
Plus Humanities: 3 credits
Plus Social Behavioral Science: 3 credits
Plus Elective: 7 credits
Term 4
HIS 111 – Western Civilization: Early Modern to Present†
Examines an extremely dynamic phase of European and world history.
SPC 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication†
The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking. Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.
SPC 112 – Public Speaking
This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is placed on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery, and audience analysis.
Choose either SPC 101 or SPC 112
Plus Elective: 9 credits
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
By obtaining an Associate in Arts (AA) degree from Iowa Lakes, you will learn the following:1
Communications:
- Students are able to communicate clearly, both written and oral using the correct medium.
- Students are able to support ideas with appropriate and adequate information.
Sciences:
- Demonstrate safe laboratory practices.
- Apply scientific inquiry/scientific method to answer questions about the natural world.
Mathematics:
- Apply mathematical methods to solve real world problems.
- Evaluate the validity of mathematical solutions.
Social Sciences:
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills in written and oral communication.
- Students will critique the diversity of human experience, individually and collectively.
Humanities:
- Respond critically using established aesthetic principles or criteria, or an ethical judgement of specific examples as it relates to the discipline.
- Express the principles of the discipline within the global community by using the language, syntax, and cultural context of the discipline appropriately.
Computers:
- Integrate the technology necessary in the workplace environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge in utilizing software application tools.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining an Associate in Arts degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Transfer data to Iowa Regent Universities
First Year University GPA
Note: This is the average of transfer with associates and transfer, no associates
2.94
Average Retention One Year After Transferring to a Regent University
86%
Average University Graduation Rates Three Years After Entry to a Regent University
58%
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Trevor Friesner Academic Advisor 712-362-7984 | tfriesner@iowalakes.edu |