Labor Studies Minor FAQs

This page contains the answers to frequently asked questions surrounding the Labor Studies minor. For an in-depth guide to the minor requirements and important policies, click HERE

Should I declare the minor now, or should I wait until I’ve finished taking all the necessary courses? 

The history department highly recommends you declare the minor as early on as possible. If you try to complete all the courses without consulting with an advisor, you may overlook important policies or procedures and miss the opportunity to graduate with the minor. This minor specifically requires a senior capstone course that has a limited amount of space, and declared students will always be prioritized. For information on how to declare a labor studies minor, click HERE.

Can my AP history classes cover some of my minor requirements?

No. Unfortunately the AP history tests do not cover any history major or minor requirements. 

When should I take my area A course?

These courses are only offered once or twice per year, so please do not wait until your final quarters before graduation to take them. These courses are usually completed in the junior or senior year. 

What is HIST 167Q, and when should I take it?

History 167Q is the capstone course for this minor. Students should take this course in their senior year, once they have completed area A, and at least 3 of their elective courses for the minor. Be sure to check the department course listings to see when the class will be offered (note: it is only offered once per year). This course is restricted to “instructor approval only” in order to enroll, so please reach out to the instructor directly for information on how to enroll. To view the course description, visit the UCSB general catalog.

I’m attempting to enroll in courses that are outside the history department for the elective requirement, but some of the classes I want to take are restricted to majors only. What do I do?

Please contact the department advisor or the instructor of the course you are trying to add with any questions about enrollment. Unfortunately, the history department advisor cannot help you with enrolling in courses that are outside of the history department. 

How many classes can I have overlap between my major and minor?

With lower division courses, there is no limit to the amount of overlap allowed. In the upper division, only 5 units of overlap is allowed between your major and minor. 

I’m a History/History of Public Policy and Law major and a labor studies minor. Can I take history courses for area C of the minor?

No. History/History of Public Policy and Law majors may not use the history courses listed in area C to count towards their minor. 

I took lower division courses at a previous institution, can they count towards my minor?

If you took courses at a community college or another four year institution, they may be applicable to the labor studies minor requirements. If your courses were taken at a California Community College and already have an established equivalency on assist.org, then they will count towards the history minor. If your courses are from a four year school or an out-of-state institution, please submit the syllabus through our online petition form to be reviewed for credit. 

I took a lower division course before I ever planned to add this minor, but I took it as P/NP grading. Can it still count towards the history minor?

Using P/NP courses towards the labor studies minor is typically not permitted except in special circumstances. If you are in this situation, please contact the history department advisor.