Master of Arts in History

The Master of Arts in History is designed to serve the needs of a variety of students, including those who plan to pursue a Ph.D., those wishing to improve their proficiency as secondary school teachers, and those who seek to enrich their intellectual lives. In addition to the General MA program, Public History and Accelerated Undergraduate to Graduate tracks are offered. Students are served by departmental members whose areas of research include classical history, early Christianity, African history, American cultural and social history, local history, the South, the American Civil War, the American frontier, women and gender roles, Asian history, Middle-Eastern history, twentieth-century mass movements, Latin American history, European history, and public history as well as other areas.

A bachelor’s degree in History (or an equivalent). A 3.25 GPA in all upper-division history courses taken as an undergraduate student. The GRE is not required for admission to this program. A Statement of Purpose (maximum of two pages) describing personal goals and objectives in seeking a graduate degree in history. Three letters of recommendation from former professors who can address the applicant’s ability to undertake graduate-level history courses. A substantial academic writing sample between 2000 and 5000 words illustrating the applicant’s ability to engage in historical research and analysis. Acceptable writing samples may include a chapter from an honors thesis, a conference paper, or a term paper. Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide one official transcript and official certification of degree, with date awarded. Applicants who hold an undergraduate degree in History but do not have a GPA of 3.0 in all work attempted while registered as an undergraduate student, or while registered as an upper-division undergraduate student (normally based on the last sixty attempted semester hours), or a 3.25 GPA in their upper-division history courses may take up to 9 hours of graduate courses as non-degree-seeking students. To be admitted into the graduate program, however, they must earn a 3.3 GPA or higher in the graduate-level history courses they take under this status. If, in addition, applicants do not meet one of the other requirements for entry, such as a GPA of 3.0 in all work attempted while registered as an undergraduate student, or while registered as an upper-division undergraduate student (normally based on the last sixty attempted semester hours), they must complete 12 hours of course work at the 3000 and 4000 level with GPA of 3.5 before they can be admitted to the graduate program.