History (M.A.)

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Program Admission Requirements

In addition to the Graduate School Admission Requirements , applicants for degrees in history must have achieved an average grade of B or higher as defined by the major department in upper-level undergraduate courses in the major. A personal interview may be requested. Applicants to the M.A. program in history are encouraged to submit a writing sample. General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations is required as are three recommendations from former instructors who are in a position to judge the applicant’s aptitude for graduate study.

Program Description

The program for the M.A. degree in history (American or European concentration) requires a minimum of 30 semester hours (at least 18 of the 30 hours must be at the 600 level) of graduate study, satisfactory performance in a foreign language examination approved by the history department, and a satisfactory performance in a comprehensive written examination over all coursework for the degree. Students will choose one of the following options:

Non-Thesis Option (American or European concentration) Hours:30

This is a non-thesis degree designed for students who do not intend to continue graduate studies beyond the master’s level. It requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of approved coursework, including HIST 631 and 6 hours outside the student’s principal concentration.

Thesis Option (American or European concentration) Hours:30

Requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of approved course work, including: HIST 631 and 3 hours of thesis credit (HIST 699). Candidates must pass an oral examination in defense of the thesis.

Cherokee Studies Option (American concentration, thesis or non-thesis) Hours:30

Requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of approved coursework, including 3 hours of HIST 699 for those writing a thesis; 18 hours ( 3 additional hours for non-thesis option - 21 hours) in American history courses (including HIST 545 and 631); 9 hours in Cherokee Studies concentration selected from: ANTH 561, ANTH 573, ASI 594, ENGL 564, or other courses approved by the graduate advisor.

Public History Option (American concentration) Hours:30

This is a non-thesis option designed to prepare students for entry-level positions related to public history. It requires the completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours of approved coursework, including: HIST 631 and 688; 9 hours selected from HIST 571, 572, 573, 574; and 15 hours of guided electives exclusive of public history courses.