History, M.A.

The Department of History

Program Overview

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. The History Department offers a master’s degree with three options for their culminating experience. Students may choose to complete a Thesis, Comprehensive Exams, or a Teaching Project. The degree satisfies the needs of those interested in public service, teaching at the community college level, or pursuing advanced graduate study in history.

Admission Requirements

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.

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, completed during HIST 200B . Detailed guidelines can be found in the Department of History’s Graduate Student Handbook or by consulting the graduate coordinator.

Master of Arts Degree Requirements

Graduate history courses are open only to program students or by instructor’s permission. The History Department offers a 30-unit Master of Arts program, as described below.

Core (15 units)

HIST 200A - Introduction to Graduate Writing and Historiography Units: 3
HIST 200B - Introduction to Graduate Research and Historiography Units: 3
HIST 210T - Topics in United States History Units: 3
HIST 220T - Topics in European History Units: 3
HIST 230T - Topics in World History Units: 3
Note: HIST 200A /HIST 200B must be taken consecutively within the first year of enrollment in the program.

Electives (6 units)

Students will select 6 additional units from:

HIST 210T - Topics in United States History Units: 3
HIST 220T - Topics in European History Units: 3
HIST 230T - Topics in World History Units: 3
Note: Students may repeat course numbers but may not repeat topics.

History Practicum (3 units)

HIST 297 - History Practicum Units: 1-3

Culminating Experience (6 units)

Thesis Option:

HIST 299A - Thesis Units: 3
AND
HIST 299B - Thesis Units: 3

Project Option:

HIST 298 - Project Units: 3
AND 3 additional units from:
HIST 210T - Topics in United States History Units: 3
HIST 220T - Topics in European History Units: 3
HIST 230T - Topics in World History Units: 3
Note: Students may repeat course numbers but may not repeat topics.

Examination Option:

3 additional units from:

HIST 210T Topics in United States History Units: 3
HIST 220T Topics in European History Units: 3
HIST 230T Topics in World History Units: 3

Note: Students may repeat course numbers but may not repeat topics.

AND

3 units of HIST 290 Independent Study

Note: Students must receive approval from the Graduate Coordinator prior to enrolling in HIST 290.

AND

Written comprehensive examination in three fields chosen from among the following:

Group I:

(a) Ancient History, (b) Medieval History, (c) Early Modern Europe to 1815, (d) Modern Europe since 1815.

Group II:

(a) The United States to Reconstruction, (b) The United States since Reconstruction.

Group III:

(a) Latin America, (b) Asia, (c) Middle East, (d) Africa.

Notes:

No more than two examinations may be taken from any group.
Not all fields will be available at all times.
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 Graduate Studies and Research.