Total: 30 Units
No more than two examinations may be taken from any group. Not all fields will be available at all times.
Comprehensive examinations are given during the first week in November and the first week in April of each year. If students fail an exam they will be allowed to retake it once. For other specifics, consult the department graduate advisor; for general requirements see the Division of Research and Graduate Studies and Research.
Graduate Program
(See Division of Research and Graduate Studies.)
The Master of Arts program in History is designed to extend the competence of persons engaged in a wide variety of fields requiring a broad grasp of historical knowledge, techniques, and interpretation. Within this degree program, students may choose to complete either a traditional track or a teaching option. The traditional track, which offers both thesis and examination as possible culminating experiences, best satisfies the needs of those interested in public service, teaching at the community college level, or pursuing advanced graduate study in history. The teaching option best satisfies the needs of those interested in enhancing their teaching of history primarily at the secondary level.
The Graduate Certificate program is most suitable for those teachers who would like to update their professional credentials, those seeking supplemental certification, those seeking to prepare for the CSET, and/or those who would simply like to continue their study of history but who do not require an M.A.
Prerequisites. Admission to the Master of Arts degree program in History assumes undergraduate preparation equivalent to this university’s major in history. Majors from other disciplines may qualify for admission depending on grade point average and other factors deemed pertinent for success in historical studies. The department determines in each case whether the applicant needs additional preparation before receiving classified standing. Applicants to the Teaching Option must have either a teaching credential or special approval from the graduate coordinator prior to applying.
Graduate Writing Requirement. The graduate writing requirement will be met by submission of a 15- to 20-page research paper formatted according to disciplinary style. The graduate writing committee will meet twice a year – November 15 and March 14 – to assess student writing. Detailed guidelines can be found in the Department of History’s Graduate Student Handbook or by consulting the graduate coordinator.