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DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY

Master of Arts Degree in History

The Master of Arts degree in History offers students the opportunity to pursue the advanced study of history. The program is designed to develop historical skills and to expand students’ understanding of the conceptualization and practice of history. Explicit attention is focused on historical comparisons and historical comparative frameworks.

Program Admission Requirements.

To apply for admission to the program, students should have:

1. 18 semester credit hours in history or courses with significant historical content (12 of these hours must be at the upper-division level); and

2. A grade point average of 3.0 or better in the last 60 hours of undergraduate education.

Students who do not meet the above requirements, and who have 12 semester credit hours of courses with significant historical content, may be considered for admission if they meet one or more of the following conditions:

1. A minimum grade point average of 2.8 overall.

2. A grade point average of 3.0 in 15 hours of graduate or professional courses relevant to the study of history.

Students may submit one or more of the following in support of their application:

1. Letters of recommendation (use university form).

2. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.

3. A 500-word essay outlining their qualifications and goals.

Applicants for admission as non–degree-seeking students (special graduate students or non–degree-seeking graduate students) should have completed at least 12 semester credit hours in history or a related field before application. Non–degree-seeking students may be limited in the courses they are permitted to take. Admission as a non–degree-seeking student does not ensure subsequent admission as a degree-seeking student. Consult the catalog on regulations regarding “special graduate student” and “non–degree-seeking status.”

Degree Requirements. The minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree is 33. This is exclusive of coursework or other study required for admission.

Degree candidates must complete the following requirements:

A. 6 semester credit hours

HIS 5023 Historical Methods
HIS 5113 Historical Approaches and Interpretations

Students should take these two courses during the first year of their programs.

B. 3 semester credit hours in Comparative History (HIS 6483 or other courses identified as meeting the requirement)

C. 6 semester credit hours consisting of the sequence

HIS 6813 Proseminar in History
HIS 6903 Research Seminar in History

This sequence will vary in subject. A student should take HIS 6813 and then HIS 6903 in the same academic year.

D. 18 semester credit hours of elective courses, chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor.

  • At least 6 hours must be outside the student’s focus area; focus areas are United States History and World History.
  • Students electing to write a thesis will complete HIS 6983 Master’s Thesis (6 hours) in accordance with University regulations as stated in Options for Master’s Degrees in Chapter 5, Master’s Degree Regulations. Students must pass the comprehensive examination before enrolling in HIS 6983.
  • Up to 6 hours of graduate-level courses outside the program may be taken with prior approval of the Graduate Advisor of Record.
  • Up to 6 hours of Independent Study hours may be taken with approval of instructor.

E. Students must pass the comprehensive examination before they can enroll in HIS 6983. Nonthesis students should take the examination in the last semester of their program.

Students are encouraged to pursue languages or other formal competencies as appropriate to their needs.

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