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MA in History / Program Requirements and Options

MA in History / Program Requirements and Options
(For students matriculated after Spring 2009)

General Requirements:

• The MA in History is a 33-credit degree program.
• Up to 12 credits of graduate course work with a grade of “B” or better may be transferred from other institutions with the approval of the Graduate Committee.  Courses presented for transfer credit must have been taken within the past five years.
• Students must have at least a “B” average in their graduate course work to be eligible for graduation. Those with GPAs below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Two semesters with GPAs below 3.0 may result in dematriculation from the program.
• All courses must carry graduate credit (500 or above). All students must take at least 18 credits at the 600 level or above, excluding History 710. All students must take at least one research intensive 500 level course or HST 691/695.
• Degree requirements must be completed within five years of the date of matriculation. 

The MA Curriculum:

• HST 600 - Introduction to Historical Studies:
  This required introductory course is designed to acquaint students, at the beginning of their MA work, with the recent major approaches to historical inquiry.
  
  
• Choice of Three Tracks:
  You will need to choose between three tracks to complete your major field.  Each of them involves several reading seminars, a research experience, and electives.
  
  
• #1 - American History Track:
  Two required seminars plus four electives (three for students doing thesis).
  
  

  Course Description:		Credits:
  HST 614	Reading Seminar in Early America	3
  HST 615	Reading Seminar in Modern America	3
  HST XXX	Elective in American History	3
  HST XXX	Elective in American History	3
  HST XXX	Elective in American History	3
  HST XXX	Elective in American History	3

• #2 - World History Track:
  Two required (but flexible) seminars plus four electives (three for students doing thesis).
  
  

  Course Description:		Credits:
  HST 64X	Regional Seminar	3
  HST 64X	Regional Seminar	3
  HST XXX	Elective in World History	3
  HST XXX	Elective in World History	3
  HST XXX	Elective in World History	3
  HST XXX	Elective in World History	3

• #3 - American / World Track:
  Two required (but flexible) seminars plus seven electives (six for students doing thesis).
  
  

  Course Description:		Credits:
  HST 614/615	Reading Seminar	3
  HST 64X	Regional Seminar	3
  HST XXX	Elective in World / American History	3
  HST XXX	Elective in World History	3
  HST XXX	Elective in World History	3
  HST XXX	Elective in World History	3
  HST XXX	Elective in American History	3
  HST XXX	Elective in American History	3
  HST XXX	Elective in American History	3

  
  Note: Regional Seminars on Europe, East Asia, Latin America and others rotate.  One is taught each semester. HST 614 is taught in the fall, HST 615 in the spring.  These courses cannot be taken as Directed Studies.
  
  
• The Minor Field (9 credits):
  American or World tracks have a three course minor that can be constructed in a variety of ways.  The most common choice is either world or American history. Other choices include, but are not limited to: public history, women/gender history, military history, Atlantic World, revolutions.  Students may also take up to nine credits in graduate courses outside of history and apply them to an interdisciplinary minor field, such as English, education, women’s studies or study abroad.  You can be quite flexible and imaginative in designing minor fields.  All students should take at least one course outside their major field area.

Capstone Courses:
A Capstone Experience will serve to integrate your MA program.
You may choose one of two options:

HST 700 - Historical Integration (3 credits):
In the final semester of your program, you will undertake an integrative essay.  This involves selecting a committee of two faculty members who will meet with you and develop a question or set of questions tailored uniquely to your own work in the program. The questions will draw upon and cut across the various courses you have taken and provide an occasion for you to integrate your graduate work.  Here is your opportunity to transcend particular courses and explore broad themes in an integrative fashion.  An oral component will provide for an extended conversation between you and your faculty committee about your integrative essay.  A contract is required for this project.  Integrative essays are graded and a B is required to pass.  A passing mark is required for successful completion of the MA.

HST 701 - Master's Thesis (6 credits):
Some students may wish to focus their graduate studies more heavily toward research by writing a master's thesis.  It is a sustained and scholarly work of primary research set in its historical context.  Its goal is to prepare students for PhD programs.  It is directed by a faculty member and read by a second reader.  Students must have a 3.8 GPA or two letters of support to undertake the thesis.  The thesis is worth 6 credits, but should be done over at least two semesters.  The credits can be divided up in any way that helps the student in terms of financial aid or other reasons (for instance you can take 4 credits in the fall, 2 in the spring). A contract is required for this project.  Theses are graded and a B is required to pass.  Students that earn an A or A- will have their theses bound and entered into the library.  A passing mark is required for successful completion of the MA.

Other program possibilities (Electives)

HST 691 - Research in American History:
An individualized research experience. Allows students to develop skills in original scholarly research in American history and to explore the methods and resources appropriate for a selected area of investigation. Must be arranged in consultation with the instructor-sponsor prior to registration.

HST 695 - Research in World History:
An individualized research experience. Allows students to develop skills in original scholarly research in World history and to explore the methods and resources appropriate for a selected area of investigation.  Must be arranged in consultation with a faculty member prior to registration.

HST 699 - Independent Study in History:
Allows student to do seminar readings from a course not being offered that semester or to investigate a new topic through secondary sources with a professor.  First semester graduate students may not take history 699.  Must be arranged in consultation a faculty member prior to registration.

HST 710 - College Teaching Practicum:
This course provides an opportunity to assist a faculty members in teaching at the introductory undergraduate level. It requires reading in the literature on current teaching practice and course development, and it involves participation in every aspect of college-level teaching--lecturing, leading discussions, preparing and evaluating exams and papers, tutoring students out of class, and more.  Must be arranged in consultation with a faculty member prior to registration.

HST 503 - Internships:
The department maintains relationships with a number of area institutions, particularly museums. We will sponsor appropriate internships and award credit when the needs of the institution intersect with a student’s interests and program. Must be arranged in consultation with the sponsor institution prior to registration.

Overseas Study:
Graduate students may pursue a portion of their program in foreign universities.  The program is pleased to accept applicable work as transfer credit.

Last Updated 7/21/10

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