History (M.A.)
The M.A. in History is an academic degree for students who want to seek employment in government jobs within the state department or intelligence field, teach history at the secondary school level, who are considering pursuing a doctorate, who want to conduct independent research, or who are lifelong learners with an interest in historical scholarship. The M.A. degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students who wish to complete the degree entirely or primarily in person, but who may elect to take some online courses, should enroll in the History M.A. program. Students who wish to complete the degree fully online should enroll in the History M.A. - online program.
Admission Requirements
Admission to this program is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School. Earning a graduate degree is an undertaking which requires a considerable commitment of time and financial resources. The Department of History expects applicants to its graduate program to arrive well-prepared to undertake a rigorous course of study.
The department normally considers only applicants whose undergraduate grade point average is at least 3.00 overall and at least 3.25 in a minimum of eighteen semester credits in history and related subjects at the advanced undergraduate level. Applicants should have or be in the process of acquiring relevant foreign language preparation to enter the area in which they wish to study. The department requires that all applicants submit a statement of purpose, a writing sample, two letters of recommendation from former instructors, a resume or curriculum vitae, and copies of transcripts from each college or university previously attended. Please consult the Department of History graduate handbook for detailed instructions for preparing application materials.
M.A. in History (Plan A/Thesis)
(30 credits, 22 in regular coursework and 8 in thesis credits; courses may be taken in person or online)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HIS 7830 | Methods and Research in History | 3 |
| HIS 7832 | History Practicum | 3 |
| HIS 8999 | Master's Thesis Research and Direction | 8 |
| At least three (3) courses in an M.A. field (U.S., Europe, World); HIS 7990, Directed Study, may only count toward the three courses if taken for three (3) or more credits | ||
| At least two (2) 8000-level seminars, at least one which is in the M.A. field | ||
| No more than two (2) courses may be taken at the 5000- or 6000-level without permission of the advisor and DGS (granted by their signatures on the Plan of Work); 5000- and 6000-level courses must be offered for graduate credit to count toward the M.A. degree | ||
M.A. in History (Plan B/Essay)
(30 credits, 27 in regular coursework and 3 in essay credits; courses may be taken in person or online)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HIS 7830 | Methods and Research in History | 3 |
| HIS 7832 | History Practicum | 3 |
| HIS 7999 | Master's Essay Direction | 3 |
| At least three (3) courses in an M.A. field (U.S., Europe, World); HIS 7990, Directed Study, may only count toward the three courses if taken for three (3) or more credits | ||
| At least two (2) 8000-level seminars, at least one which is in the M.A. field | ||
| No more than two (2) courses may be taken at the 5000- or 6000-level without permission of the advisor and DGS (granted by their signatures on the Plan of Work); 5000- and 6000-level courses must be offered for graduate credit to count toward the M.A. degree | ||
M.A. in History (Online)
(30 credits, 27 in regular coursework and 3 in essay credits; all courses must be taken online)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HIS 7830 | Methods and Research in History (normally taken in the first fall semester of enrollment) | 3 |
| HIS 7832 | History Practicum (normally taken in the first or second winter semester of enrollment) | 3 |
| HIS 7999 | Master's Essay Direction | 3 |
| HIS Electives (21 credits), including at least two 8000-level seminars | 21 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |