Comparative History of Ideas (CHID)
College of Arts & Sciences
Comparative History of Ideas (CHID) is a unique interdisciplinary undergraduate major emphasizing the examination of ideas and their cultural, historical and political contexts through experiential learning and self-reflection. CHID offers students the creative freedom to follow their curiosity by tailoring their education to their own interests and professional goals. The program provides extensive opportunities to study abroad and to interact with local and international organizations. CHID majors engage thoughtfully in intellectual inquiry and reflection, developing critical thinking skills and competencies in their chosen area of study. Graduates of this degree have gone on to careers in a wide variety of fields such as law, international relations, social work, administration and public policy, business, health care, education and the arts.
Applicant type
Freshmen can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)
Read more about applying to the UW as a freshman, including details for programs that provide high school students with college credit (like Running Start).
Quarters of general admission to UW: autumn / winter (U.S. applicants only) / spring / summer
Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission.
- Use the information below to help you prepare for this degree
- Visit MyPlan to run a degree audit.
- Use the UW Equivalency Guide to find out how courses taken at a Washington state community or technical college will transfer to the UW.
- UW college and school graduation requirements
Department admission information
Departmental application deadline: Students in good academic standing may declare the major at any time, including on their application for admission to the UW.
Please contact the department for details about the application process.
Although admission is open, students are strongly encouraged to prepare for the major before transfer.
Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.
Courses recommended for the major:
- Anthropology
- Art
- Biology
- English
- Comparative Literature, Cinema & Media
- Ethnic and gender studies
- Other areas of humanities and social sciences
Entering transfer information:
Total undergraduates: 102
Total from Washington community colleges: 16