Master of Arts in History
https://www.tamuct.edu/degrees/graduate/history.html
OVERVIEW
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in History is designed to expand a student's knowledge of history and historical methods, and to develop a student's research, writing, and analytical abilities in U.S., European, and World History. The degree prepares students for careers in public history, further study towards a doctoral degree, and teaching at the secondary and post-secondary levels. The degree offers two options--a thesis option and a comprehensive examination option. For students who are interested in pursuing a Ph.D., they are encouraged strongly to pursue the thesis option.
Program Level Student Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Identify connections between historical issues and life outside the classroom, and compare the historical development of their own and other cultures.
- Think historically about the past by identifying and critiquing historical interpretations (historiographical analysis) and analyzing issues in a historical context.
- Select and use evidence from a variety of sources, including primary sources, and complete assignments that prompt them to argue effectively and critically.
- Examine current issues from a historical perspective and examine the role of historical interpretation in shaping current actions and policies.
Entry Requirements
Full Acceptance: Students will need to meet the university’s admissions requirements and meet the M.A. in History Program’s specific requirements. These program requirements are that students will need to submit copies of official transcripts that either 1) evidence an undergraduate degree in History with a GPA of 3.0 in history courses or 2) evidence a minimum of 18 credit hours in undergraduate history courses or 18 credit hours of courses in a related discipline with a GPA of 3.0 in these courses. Related disciplines may include but are not limited to: Political Science, Anthropology, and Art or Music History. Questions should be directed to the MA History Coordinator.
Conditional Acceptance: Students will need to meet the university’s admissions requirements and meet the M.A. in History Program’s specific requirements. These program requirements are that students will need to submit copies of official transcripts that either 1) evidence an undergraduate degree in History with a GPA of 2.50-2.99 in history courses or 2) evidence a minimum of 18 credit hours in undergraduate history courses or 18 credit hours of courses in a related discipline with a GPA of 2.50-2.99 in these courses. Related disciplines may include but are not limited to: Political Science, Anthropology, and Art or Music History.
Once students have completed successfully 12 hours (4 courses) of graduate level history coursework with a grade of a “B” or better in each course, then they may be accepted fully into the MA History Program. Coursework taken during the period of conditional acceptance does count toward the courses needed to complete the MA History degree. Questions should be directed to the MA History Coordinator.
Master of Arts - History with Thesis Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 5300 | Elements of Historical Inquiry | 3 |
| HIST 5380 | Historiography and Historical Methods | 3 |
| HIST 5320 | Select Topics in State and Local History | 3 |
| or HIST 5322 | Select Topics in American History | |
| or HIST 5342 | Topics in European History | |
| Approved graduate-level History electives 1 | 21 | |
| HIST 5198 | History Thesis | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |
- 1
12 Credit hours can be used in a support field. For further information consult with your graduate coordinator.
Additional Requirements
The M.A. in History requires 36 hours of approved coursework, including HIST 5300 (Elements of Historical Inquiry), 5380 (Historiography and Historical Methods), and one research course (HIST 5320, 5322, or 5342). In consultation with the Graduate Coordinator, a student may take 12 hours in an appropriate supporting field. A student must take coursework in United States and non-United States history. Students will need to take six (6) hours in U.S. History courses and take six (6) hours in non-U.S. History courses.
Thesis Requirements
Each student completes a thesis under the direction of a thesis advisor, who chairs the student's thesis committee. The student does not begin work on the thesis prior to completion of 24 hours of coursework and will enroll in Thesis (HIST 5198) only with the prior approval of the graduate coordinator. Six hours of Thesis (HIST 5198) may count toward graduation. Students should prepare their thesis in accordance with the procedures specified by the Office of Graduate School. Upon completion of the thesis, the student sits for an oral defense before the student's thesis committee.
Master of Arts - History Without Thesis Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 5300 | Elements of Historical Inquiry | 3 |
| HIST 5380 | Historiography and Historical Methods | 3 |
| HIST 5320 | Select Topics in State and Local History | 3 |
| or HIST 5322 | Select Topics in American History | |
| or HIST 5342 | Topics in European History | |
| Approved graduate-level History electives 1 | 27 | |
| HIST 5090 | History Comprehensive Examination | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |
- 1
12 Credit hours can be used in a support field. For further information consult with your graduate coordinator.
Additional Requirements
The M.A. in History requires 36 hours of approved coursework, including HIST 5300 (Elements of Historical Inquiry), 5380 (Historiography and Historical Methods), and one research course (HIST 5320, 5322, or 5342). In consultation with the Graduate Coordinator, a student may take 12 hours in an appropriate supporting field. A student must take coursework in United States and non-United States history. Students will need to take six (6) hours in U.S. History courses and take six (6) hours in non-U.S. History courses.
Comprehensive Exam Requirements
Each student must take a written comprehensive examination based on coursework submitted for the M.A. degree. An examination committee, composed of three faculty members, administers the examination. If the examination result is unsatisfactory, the committee allows the student to retake the comprehensive examination one additional time. Additional coursework in areas of weakness may be required.
