History Master's Degree
Master of Arts (MA) in History
Explore the past. Shape your future.
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.
Take the Next Step in Your Journey
Learn about the Graduate Studies programs and requirements.
Grad Studies Admission and Deadlines
Find application requirements, deadlines, and everything you need to start your graduate journey at UTPB.
Master of Arts History Degree Requirements
Explore the full list of courses, credit hours, and research components needed to complete the MA in History at UTPB.
Degree Requirements
- Complete 30 total credit hours of graduate coursework
- Choose between a Thesis or Non-Thesis track
Thesis Option:
- 24 credit hours in graduate history courses
- 6 credit hours dedicated to an approved thesis
- Oral thesis defense required
Non-Thesis Option:
- 30 credit hours in graduate history courses
- Must pass a written and oral comprehensive exam
Additional Details:
- One course at the 4000-level may count, if modified to meet graduate standards
- No general foreign language requirement, but language proficiency may be required for research-based topics (e.g., Spanish for Latin American history)
For the most current and detailed information, refer to the UTPB Graduate Catalog.
Career Paths
Students are equipped with advanced skills in research, analysis, writing, and critical thinking—skills that are essential across a wide range of careers.
- History Teacher
- Regulatory Affairs Manager
- Compliance Manager
- Legislator
- General and Operations Manager
Degree Roadmap
Get all the details on our History program, including admission requirements, financial considerations, class requirements, and more.
View Academic Catalog
| Criteria | Regular Admission | Conditional Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Required – from an accredited college or university | Required – from an accredited college or university |
| GPA Requirement | 3.0 or higher in the last 60 credit hours | 2.5 – 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours |
| History Coursework | 18 semester credit hours in upper/lower-division history coursework; may require leveling if not met | 18 semester credit hours of upper- and lower-division history coursework; applicants lacking hours may be required to complete leveling courses |
| Writing Sample | Undergraduate paper demonstrating writing and analytical skills | Undergraduate paper demonstrating writing and analytical skills. If unavailable, submit a 3-page Statement of Purpose outlining academic goals, reasons for pursuing graduate study in history, and how UTPB supports those goals. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 must also submit a 500-word scholarly book review demonstrating analysis, use of evidence, and overall assessment. |
| Alternative Statement | If no academic paper, submit a 3-page Statement of Purpose detailing academic goals, reasons for studying history, and how the UTPB program fits those goals | 3-page Statement of Purpose required if no academic paper is available |
| Other Evaluation Factors | N/A | Admission determined case-by-case based on writing ability, letters, and academic performance. Strong performance in upper-level coursework emphasizing writing, analysis, and research (for example, History, English, Philosophy, and Political Science) is considered. Grades of B or better indicate potential for success in graduate study. |
| Leveling Courses | May be required if lacking sufficient background in history | May be required based on coursework evaluation |
Conditional Admission Note: Applicants admitted conditionally must earn a grade of B or better in the first 12 graduate credit hours to continue in the program.
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