History Master's Degree
Master of Arts (MA) in History
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in History accommodates a wide range of student aspirations in the field of History, both professional and personal. History graduate students are taught to think critically, write clearly, listen closely, analyze rigorously, think broadly, read deeply, and speak confidently. Students explore historical topics of interest at great depth while preparing for a Ph.D. program or developing the skills to work in many professional sectors.
Graduate History Program Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- GPA of 3.0 or better in the last 60 credit hours of coursework leading to the baccalaureate degree.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant's abilities, skills, and motivation (letters from professors and supervisors preferred).
- Writing sample: Applicants may submit an undergraduate paper (preferred) or a 500-word essay expressing what they wish to accomplish in the program.
- 18 semester credit hours of combined upper- and lower-division history courses. Applicants lacking the 18 hours might be required to complete leveling courses.
Applicants who do not meet the Regular admission requirements may be considered for Conditional admission. The Department will assign Conditional admission by determining if the applicant’s letters and writing skills are suitable for success in the graduate program. Evaluation of materials is done on a case by case basis. If the applicant is conditionally admitted, he/she must then earn a "B" grade or better in the first 12 graduate hours.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- GPA of 3.0 or better in the last 60 credit hours of coursework leading to the baccalaureate degree.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant's abilities, skills, and motivation (letters from professors and supervisors preferred).
- Writing sample: Applicants may submit an undergraduate paper (preferred) or a 500-word essay expressing what they wish to accomplish in the program.
- 18 semester credit hours of combined upper- and lower-division history courses. Applicants lacking the 18 hours might be required to complete leveling courses.
OTHER EVIDENCE:
- Applicant's performance in upper-level history courses and other comparable upper-level courses that stress writing/analysis/research (such as English, philosophy, and political science) will be used to evaluate an applicant's abilities.
- Grades of "B" or better reflect potential success in graduate-level work.
M.A. in History Degree Requirements
Candidates for the Master of Arts degree in History must complete 30 credits of graduate work, of which no more than one course may be at the 4000-level (modified to meet graduate standards). They may choose between the thesis option and the non-thesis option.
Students who elect to write a thesis will complete:
- 24 credit hours in history.
- Six hours upon acceptance of a thesis.
Students who elect the non-thesis option will complete:
- 24 credit hours in history.
- Six additional credits in history or an approved related field.
MA degree candidates who select the non-thesis option must pass an oral and a written examination. MA degree candidates who elect to write a thesis must pass an oral defense of their thesis. There is no general foreign language requirement for the master’s degree in history. However, when mastery of a language is requisite to purposeful study, the demonstration of language skills may be required. For example, candidates writing a thesis on a topic in Latin American history must demonstrate the ability to comprehend written Spanish with reasonable accuracy.
Graduate Catalog
Get a more in-depth look at the degree plan and required courses inside the course catalog.
Graduate Programs of Study