American History and Institutions Requirements (AH&I)

The American History & Institutions (AH&I) requirement is based on the principle that graduates from an American university should have an understanding of the history and governmental institutions of the United States.

Students may satisfy the American History & Institutions requirement by one of the following methods: 

1. High School Course Work: Completion of a yearlong course in United States history with a grade of C- or higher; or completion of a half-year course in United States history and a half-year course in American government with grades of C- or higher. 

2. Advanced Placement Exam: Score of 3, 4, or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exam in United States History or African American Studies. 

3. International Baccalaureate Exam: Score of 5, 6, or 7 on the International Baccalaureate (IB)  History of the Americas HL exam.

4. SAT Subject Test: Score of 550 or higher on the SAT Subject Test in U.S. History.

5. College Course Work: Completion of an approved UC Berkeley course, or an acceptable UC-transferable course of at least 3 semester or 4 quarter units, with a grade of C- or higher.
   

Exemption for Nonimmigrant Visa Status

Students with a current nonimmigrant visa status (F is the most common) are exempt from this requirement once they complete 90.5 units, so long as the visa status is maintained through the last day of finals for the fall or spring semester, or the last day of Summer Sessions instruction in August.

Students with a nonimmigrant visa status who plan to apply for residency while at Berkeley are advised to complete the American History & Institutions requirement so as not to delay graduation should residency be approved before completing the final term.