Master of Arts, History

In cooperation with the College of Education, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences provides graduate course work to support the Master of Education and AA certification in secondary education. These courses are offered by the departments of languages and literatures, history and political science and sociology and criminal justice.

The Master of Arts Program in History is designed to give students advanced instruction relating to (1) important historical issues, events, personalities and periods in American and world history; (2) methods of historical research and historical writing; and (3) significant historical interpretations which have shaped our understanding of history. The program prepares students for doctoral level work.

A minimum of 39 semester hours are necessary to earn the M.A. degree in history. Required courses include Historiography (HIS 500), Two World Wars (HIS 530), Colonial Period in American History (HIS 552), and American Constitutional History (HIS 587). Seminar in American History (HIS 590), Seminar in African-American History Before 1865 (HIS 564), and Seminar in African-American History II Since 1865 (565) also are required courses. Students also must complete four electives (two American history, and two non-American history) and a master’s thesis. Research and Thesis I (HIS 595), as well as Research and Thesis II (HIS 596), are taken before the final document is submitted to the department for review.

All M.A. candidates have to demonstrate competency in an approved foreign language. The department administers a written examination which assesses candidates’ reading knowledge of the language they select. In lieu of the written exam, candidates can complete at least six hours, or a minimum of two classes of undergraduate or graduate coursework in one foreign language. In this instance, an A or B must be earned in each class to satisfy the foreign-language requirement. (The completion process is explained further in section three, admissions and academic regulations, of the graduate catalog.)

A new option in Public History is available beginning Fall 2015. Students interested in this option are required to take 9 hours in general history courses and 18 hours of required courses in Archives and Museum studies. In addition, students need to complete 12 hours of electives which could include 6 hours toward a field study project or 6 hours toward a special topics study or 6 hours for writing a Master of Arts thesis. The goal of the Public History program is to prepare students for careers as archivists, public historians, and curators. Places of employment would include museums, cultural centers, cultural, state, and national parks, presidential libraries, and historic sites.

An applicant to the graduate program in history must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. A degree in history is preferred; however, a degree in an allied field with a strong concentration in history is acceptable provided that the applicant meets the minimum standards of the graduate school.

All M.A. candidates must pass a comprehensive examination and have the option of writing a thesis that meets departmental approval. Students forgoing the thesis are required to take an additional 6 credits or two courses.