Dec 22, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

History, M.A.


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Ashley Riley Sousa, Graduate Studies Director
(615) 898-5805
Ashley.RileySousa@mtsu.edu

The History Department  offers the Master of Arts in History, Master of Arts in History with concentrations in History Education and Public History, and a Ph.D. in Public History.

For the most current information about the program, department policies, and admission standards, please visit the department website at www.mtsu.edu/history.

Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.

Admission Requirements


Admission to the Master of Arts in History program requires

  1. an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college;
  2. an acceptable grade point average in all college work;
  3. completion of at least 18 semester hours of undergraduate history courses.

Modifications to the above requirements may be made with the permission of the department’s director of graduate studies and the department’s graduate admissions committee.

Application Procedures


All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

Application deadline for the M.A. program is March 1 for fall admission and October 1 for spring admission.

Applicant must

  1. submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php.) Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
  2. submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
  3. submit letter of intent, explaining why applicant wishes to pursue graduate education in History and why applicant wishes to pursue those studies at MTSU;
  4. submit writing sample (preferably a lengthy research paper that demonstrates writing and research skills);
  5. submit three letters of recommendation from professors or professionals that address the applicant’s potential to successfully complete an M.A. program in History.

Degree Requirements


The Master of Arts in History requires completion of 30-45 semester hours (thesis) or 33 semester hours (non-thesis).

Thesis Option (30-45 hours)


Once admitted to the program, candidate must

  1. complete a minimum of 30 hours of graduate history courses, all at the 6000 level (see Curriculum section below for specifics);
  2. maintain satisfactory progress toward completion of the degree each semester;
  3. fulfill a research skill-set requirement by choosing one of the following options:
    1. demonstrate reading proficiency in a foreign language for research purposes by passing the specific proficiency examination administered by World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures ;
    2. complete one of the following professional development courses: HIST 6190  State and Local History, HIST 6225  Oral History Theory and Methodology, HIST 6530  Administration of Historical Organizations, HIST 6550  American Material Culture, HIST 6551  American Architectural History, and HIST 6555  Archeology and Public History. Courses outside the History Department may also be considered, with the written approval of the graduate director.
  4. submit and successfully defend an acceptable thesis.

Non-thesis Option (33 hours)


Once admitted to the program, candidate must

  1. complete 33 hours of graduate history courses, all at the 6000 level (see Curriculum section below for specifics);
  2. pass comprehensive examinations;
  3. maintain satisfactory progress toward completion of the degree each semester;
  4. fulfill a skill set requirement by choosing one of the following options:
    1. demonstrate reading proficiency in a foreign language for research purposes by passing the specific proficiency examination administered by World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures ;
    2. complete one of the following professional development courses: HIST 6190  State and Local History, HIST 6225  Oral History Theory and Methodology, HIST 6530  Administration of Historical Organizations, HIST 6550  American Material Culture, HIST 6551  American Architectural History, and HIST 6555  Archeology and Public History. Courses outside the History Department may also be considered, with the written approval of the graduate director.

Curriculum: History


Thesis Option (30-45 hours)


The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements (all at the 6000 level). In addition, a maximum of 18 hours of thesis research may be required to fulfill degree requirements.

Required Core Courses (6 hours)


Thesis Option Electives (21 hours)


Choose 21 hours from Thesis Field or History electives

Thesis Field (12 hours)

  • Minimum 12 hours of either American or European History
History electives (6 hours)

  • Minimum 6 hours outside the thesis field
Thesis Option Elective (3 hours)

  • 3 hours of Thesis Option Electives to be chosen in consultation with an advisor

Thesis Research (3-18 hours)


Note:


No more than three hours of  HIST 6910 /HIST 6920 /HIST 6930  may be counted toward degree requirements.

Non-thesis Option (33 hours)


The following illustrates the coursework requirements (all at the 6000 level) for the non-thesis option.

Required Core (6 hours)


Major Field (15 hours)


  • 15 hours of either American or European History including at least three hours of graduate research seminar in field

History electives (9 hours)


  • 9 hours of elective History courses

Additional Graduate Research Seminar (3 hours)


  • 3 hours of graduate research seminar in any field

Note:


No more than three hours of HIST 6910 /HIST 6920 /HIST 6930  may be counted toward degree requirements.

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