History (M.A.)
The M.A. in History is an academic degree for students who want to 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,
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.
Our M.A. students may write a thesis (Plan A) or essay (Plan B), and the degree requirements are slightly different depending on the path they choose. Both are detailed below.
M.A. in History (Plan A/Thesis)
(30 credits, 22 in regular coursework and 8 in thesis credits)
| 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 | ||
MA in History (Plan B/Essay)
(30 credits, 27 in regular coursework, 3 in essay credits)
| 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 | ||