History, MA
About the Program
Students may choose one of two possible tracks for a master of arts degree in history: History or History with Museum Studies Concentration.
History
The history track culminates in a master of arts degree in history, which will prepare the student for doctoral level work in history or a variety of other related careers.
History with Museum Studies Concentration
This track leads to the master of arts degree in history with a concentration in museum studies, and prepares candidates for doctoral programs in museum studies or professional work in museums and historical agencies. The program provides training in a museum setting while refining scholarship and research skills within the disciplines of history and museum studies.
Admissions Requirements
1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) in history and 2.75 overall.
2. 30 credit hours in history.
3. Two letters of recommendation.
4. A 500-word statement describing the applicant’s graduate education goals and
preferred fields of history.
The department may grant conditional admission to the program if minimum requirements are not met. Additional work requirements or waivers of general prerequisites for admission shall be set forth by the Instruction Committee at the time of acceptance.
In addition, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate Program
section in this catalog.
Advisement: The student, with the approval of the department chair, selects an academic adviser who specializes in the student’s principal areas of interest.
Graduation Requirements:
1. At least 15 credit hours of coursework at the 600 or 700 level.
2. Master’s thesis and defense: The student, in consultation with his or her academic adviser and second reader, prepares and submits a written thesis. Once approved, the student must successfully provide an oral defense. The approved thesis is submitted as three bound copies.
3. An oral defense of the thesis. The student will answer questions from his or her graduate committee on all aspects of the thesis, as well as questions relating to the student’s coursework.
4. Demonstrated competence in a foreign language may be required. If applicable, competency examinations will be arranged by the thesis adviser and approved by the department chair.
Program Requirements
Required Courses * 18 credits
Select from the following areas:
American history
European history
Third World history
Up to 6 credit hours may be taken in related disciplines with prior approval of the student’s adviser and the department chair.
Seminars 6 credits
6 credits at the 700 level
Master’s Thesis 6 credits
HIS 795 Master’s Thesis (6)
Total Required Credit Hours 30 credits
* Selected under advisement
All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated.
