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 postsecondary levels.
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
After the student has met the requirements for university admission, the M.A. in History program will make an admission decision based on the application materials submitted, the most important of which is documentation demonstrating either an undergraduate degree in History with a GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate history courses, or a minimum of 24 credit hours in undergraduate history courses with GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate history courses. Official transcripts should be provided in order to document all prior history coursework. If a student has not satisfied this requirement, they may be required to take up to 24 credit hours of undergraduate leveling in history, in which they must earn a GPA of 3.0.
The Graduate Coordinator, in consultation with full-time program faculty, is responsible for making and communicating program admission decisions and is the point of contact for all inquiries regarding the program. The Graduate Coordinator is also responsible for all advising, including assisting with the student’s selection of either the thesis or non-thesis track. Students must have the approval of the Graduate Coordinator to change tracks once they have completed 24 credit hours of coursework. If at any point a student’s GPA in the M.A. in History program falls below a 3.0, the student could be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from the program. If a student receives a failing grade in a course, he or she will be required to retake that course; and if the failing grade results in suspension, the student could remain on suspension until the course is retaken with a satisfactory grade.
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.
Each student must demonstrate reading proficiency in at least one foreign language prior to completion of the degree. Proficiency will be measured by the successful completion (with a "C" or better) of 12 hours in a single foreign language (either in the undergraduate or graduate level, at the equivalent of the intermediate level).
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.
Each student must demonstrate reading proficiency in at least one foreign language prior to completion of the degree. Proficiency will be measured by the successful completion (with a "C" or better) of 12 hours in a single foreign language (either in the undergraduate or graduate level, at the equivalent of the intermediate level).
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.
