History, M.A.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Return to: Department of History

Degree Requirements

Coursework

Students are required to take a total of nine courses. The distribution of courses is described below.

HIST 7000 - Introduction to Historical Methods and Theory 4 Hours
HIST 7050 - Introduction to Graduate Studies and Pedagogy in History 4 Hours Students not intending to teach may request permission from the Director of Graduate Studies to take HIST 7045 , a one-hour version of HIST 7050 .
HIST 7060 - Research Seminar 4 Hours Thesis students must take HIST 7060 ; Non-thesis students can fulfill this requirement with HIST 7060 or any graduate course designated as a research seminar.

One Course Selected from

To support the student’s major field:

HIST 7010 - Issues and Interpretations in American History 4 Hours
HIST 7020 - Issues and Interpretations in European History 4 Hours
HIST 7030 - Issues and Interpretations in World History 4 Hours
or
HIST 7040 - Issues and Interpretation in Public History 3 Hours

Directed Readings Courses

Students may take up to two directed readings courses to fulfill their course requirements.

Semester of Study Requirements

All new students should take HIST 7050 in their first semester of study and HIST 7000 in their second semester of study.

HIST 7050 - Introduction to Graduate Studies and Pedagogy in History 4 Hours
HIST 7000 - Introduction to Historical Methods and Theory 4 Hours

Major Field

Students must complete 3 courses in the major field and may apply HIST 7010, HIST 7020, HIST 7030, or HIST 7040 to their major field. HIST 7060 may not apply to major field course requirements. Major fields include the following:

Colonial/Early National U.S.
19thand 20th Century U.S.
Early Modern Europe
Modern Europe
World History
Regional and Global History
Public History

HIST 7010 - Issues and Interpretations in American History 4 Hours
HIST 7020 - Issues and Interpretations in European History 4 Hours
HIST 7030 - Issues and Interpretations in World History 4 Hours
HIST 7040 - Issues and Interpretation in Public History 3 Hours
HIST 7060 - Research Seminar 4 Hours

Geographic Distribution

In addition to the regular M.A. requirements, students whose major field is in US history must also complete one course each in (a) European; and (b) African, Asian, Latin American, or Middle Eastern history. Students whose major field is in European history must also complete one course each in (a) U.S.; and (b) African, Asian, Latin American, or Middle Eastern history.

Electives

Remaining courses are electives.

Language Requirement

Proficiency in one alternate language.

Comprehensive Examination

A comprehensive examination to be taken within one semester after completion of coursework. The comprehensive examination may written or oral; the format will be determined by the major advisor in consultation with the student. The exam will test knowledge of the student’s major field and coursework, including the core curriculum. A committee that consists of the student’s main advisor and two other faculty members with whom the student has taken coursework with will conduct the exam. The examination may be repeated once following a minimum interval of three months. A student who fails the examination for the second time will be subject to scholastic termination. Committees for both the thesis and the non-thesis option are nominated by the student and approved by the Director of Graduate Studies on behalf of the Chair of the department.

Continuous Enrollment

In order to remain in compliance with the university’s policy on continuous enrollment, students must maintain enrollment totaling 6 hours or more over all consecutive three-semester periods. Please note, graduate assistants are required to enroll for a minimum of 18 credit hours each semester. These credit hours will consist of courses required for the prescribed program of study, as well as additional hours of HIST 8980, HIST 8999, and/or HIST 9999.

HIST 8980 - Non-Thesis Research 1 to 15 Hours
HIST 8999 - Thesis Research 1 to 15 Hours
HIST 9999 - Dissertation Research 1 to 15 Hours

Thesis/Non-Thesis Options

Thesis option requirements:
A minimum of six hours of HIST 8999 - Thesis Research
A thesis prospectus, approved by a director and a second reader, and a thesis.
Non-Thesis Option requirements:
- One additional graduate history course, or a graduate course in a related department. A second comprehensive examination, either written or oral, to be administered by an examination committee, which will consist of the advisor and one additional faculty member.
- In lieu of the thesis, research competence must be demonstrated on the basis of a research paper or other substantive piece of written work.

Graduation

Students must be registered for a minimum of one hour during the term of their graduation.

Concentration Requirements

World History Concentration