History (M.A.)

History (M.A.)

Degree: Master of Arts

Major: History

Concentration: None

Total Hours: 30-36

Applicants for the Master of Arts in History must meet all Graduate College entrance requirements. Their background in history must include HIST 1301 U S History I 1763-1877 & HIST 1302 U S History II Since 1877, a course in historical methods, and one additional upper-division history course. A cumulative undergraduate gpa of at least 3.0 is also required.

Applicants shall achieve a minimum verbal score of 153 and a minimum analytical score of 3 on the GRE. Two letters of recommendation and one sample of academic writing are also required.

Degree Requirements

  1. Thesis Option. The thesis option is strongly recommended for those who plan to continue graduate study beyond the masters. The thesis program requires completion of 24 semester hours of coursework;HIST 5300 Historiography is required and a minimum of 12 hours must be taken in Seminar, Readings or Directed Readings courses. The student may take 6 graduate hours (class or seminar) in a supporting (minor) field. Six additional hours of credit will be given for completion of the thesis. Thesis students must also demonstrate a reading knowledge of one classical or modern foreign language. This requirement may be satisfied by completing the 2312 course in a language or by passing a nationally recognized standardized language proficiency test or by completing a reading project administered by the faculty of the Department of History.
  2. Non-Thesis Option. The non-thesis option is intended to provide a strong foundation in a wide range of historical areas and periods. It is designed for those who do not intend to seek a higher degree. Non-thesis students must complete 36 hours in history. HIST 5300 Historiography is required and a minimum of 18 hours must be in Seminar, Readings, or Directed Readings courses. The student may take six hours in an approved minor field. After completing their classwork, students must take a comprehensive written examination which is defended orally. A foreign language is not required for the non-thesis Master of Arts in History.