Learning Outcomes

  • Students will explore content knowledge and historical interpretations (Historiography).
  • Students will conduct and write historical research at an advanced level.
  • Students will utilize oral and written communication skills in the historical discipline.

Requirements for the
M.A. Degree (30 credits)


The History Program is a 2-year, 30-credit Master's program that offers three major areas of study--American, European, and Global/International--through two flexible tracks of study: thesis and non-thesis.  Students may also elect to pursue a minor field in Public History.

This program is well-suited for advanced students who wish to pursue a Ph.D., secondary school teachers interested in increasing their content knowledge, and individuals who want to work in non-profits, government, or business.

All candidates for the M.A. degree in History must pass written comprehensive examinations based on coursework and reading lists provided by three faculty examiners. Students are to have two examiners in their major area and one from outside of it. These exams are typically taken in February or March for students graduating in May, and in October or November for students graduating in December.

American/U.S. History (30 credits)

Methodological Courses - 6 credits

  • HIST 601 Introduction to Graduate History
  • HIST 602 Research Seminar

American/U.S. History Courses - 12 credits

  • Choose 4 courses approved as American/U.S. History 

In addition to the required courses above, choose the 12-credit track:

A. Thesis Track

Choose 1 Global/International History course; Choose 1 European History course; 6 Thesis credits

B. Non-Thesis with Public Minor Track

Choose 3 Public History courses; Choose 1 European or Global/International History course

C. Non-Thesis without Minor Track

Choose 1 European History course; Choose 1 Global/International History course; Choose 2 additional History courses not yet taken, only one of which may be a Public History course 


European History (30 credits)

Methodological Courses - 6 credits

  • HIST 601 Introduction to Graduate History
  • HIST 602 Research Seminar

European History Courses - 12 credits

Choose 4 courses approved as European History

In addition to the required courses above, choose the 12-credit track:

A. Thesis Track

Choose 1 American/U.S. History course; Choose 1 Global/International History course; 6 Thesis credits

B. Non-Thesis with Public History Minor Track

Choose 3 Public History courses; Choose 1 American/U.S. or Global/International History course

C. Non-Thesis without Minor Track

Choose 1 American/U.S. History course; Choose 1 Global/International History course; Choose 2 additional History courses not yet taken, only one of which may be a Public History course 

Global/International History (30 credits)

Methodological Courses - 6 credits 

  • HIST 601 Introduction to Graduate History
  • HIST 602 Research Seminar

Global/International History Courses - 12 credits

Choose 4 courses approved as Global/International History

In addition to required courses, choose one of the following tracks:

A. Thesis Track

Choose 1 American/U.S. History course; Choose 1 European course; 6 Thesis credits

B. Non-Thesis with Public History Minor Track

Choose 3 Public History courses; Choose 1 American/U.S. or European History course

C. Non-Thesis without Minor Track

Choose 1 American/U.S. History course; Choose 1 European History course; Choose 2 additional History courses not yet taken, only one of which may be a Public History course