Master of Arts in History
Introduction
The Master of Arts in History program offers advanced training in American, African, Middle Eastern, Asian, European, and Latin American history. The program encourages students to take courses in a range of geographic and temporal areas while allowing them the flexibility to focus on subjects that interest them. It strives to provide students not just historical content but also the ability to recognize and analyze themes and patterns across the historical landscape. The Master of Arts in History program is particularly well suited for pre-doctoral students, for secondary school teachers seeking additional enrichment, and for those interested in pursuing careers in public history. Close student and faculty contact is encouraged through a combination of lecture-discussion courses and research and reading seminars that are designed to broaden and deepen the students’ historical knowledge and provide training in history as a scholarly discipline.
Admission Information
In addition to College of Graduate Studies requirements for admission, applicants to the History program must have the following:
- An undergraduate major in history with a grade-point average of 3.0 or better, or sufficient undergraduate history courses with grades of B or better to serve as an indicator of probable success in the graduate history program.
- Two letters of recommendation, preferably from professors with whom the applicant has taken advanced undergraduate history courses.
- A writing sample that demonstrates the candidate’s research, analytical, and writing abilities. The department prefers that applicants submit a substantial research paper from a history course of not more than 20 pages.
- Results of the Graduate Record Examination ( GRE) are desired from all applicants. GRE test results are required, however, for applicants who do not meet the College of Graduate Studies requirement of at least a 2.75 undergraduate GPA for admission.
Under special circumstances, an applicant may remediate undergraduate deficiencies by enrolling as a non-degree student. Non-degree students must achieve a graduate GPA of 3.0 or better for twelve credit hours in approved courses to qualify for admission. Upon admission to the program the twelve credits may be applied toward the degree.
Apply Now: http://www.csuohio.edu/graduate-admissions/how-apply
Financial Assistance
The Department of History offers a number of graduate assistantships and internships to complement full-time study. Assistantships require approximately ten to twenty hours of service per week to the department, depending upon the award received. Graduate assistant responsibilities include tutoring students, assisting professors in the preparation of lectures and discussions, and working on departmental programs. Additional financial assistance may be available through various internship programs. Applicants interested in assistantships for the Fall Semester must complete their application packet by April 1st of the prior Spring Semester.
Career Information
The History MA program is intended to prepare students for entry into doctoral programs in history. Graduates of the program also are prepared for secondary-level teaching in history and social studies, as well as careers in public history (i.e., the practice of history in a non-academic setting).
In addition, the master’s program in history develops a variety of skills that are basic to success in many careers in business and other professions. Recent graduates have demonstrated skills in conceptualization, research, analysis, and oral and written communication in careers in banking, the media, insurance, journalism, law, marketing and advertising, publishing, and government service.
Faculty Research and Publications
All members of the graduate faculty participate in the activities of local and national historical associations and are active in research and publication in their fields of specialization. In recent years, faculty members have made important scholarly contributions in the form of books and articles on diverse topics, such as modern Germany, gender in late medieval and early modern Europe, 20th century black popular culture, American labor and immigration history, sexuality and gender in China, tenantry and landownership in the American revolution, tourism in New Orleans, Moroccan political and social history, and racial discourse and labor activism in the 19th century South. The MA program is designed to encourage students to interact closely with faculty in their areas of interest. Through research and reading seminars, independent study, and/or the writing of a master’s thesis, students are encouraged to develop independent research and writing skills.
Current faculty information can be located on the Cleveland State University Faculty Profile page.
Degree Requirements
Students may pursue either of two plans for the Master of Arts degree in History. Plan A requires the writing of a thesis, while Plan B requires additional courses in lieu of a thesis. The prospective student selects one of the programs in consultation with the Graduate Program Director.
For both plans, students are required to complete a total of thirty credit hours in approved courses with at least a 3.0 grade-point average. Only one grade of B- may count towards the degree and grades below B- (C or F) will not count towards the degree. Depending on their undergraduate preparation in history, students, with approval, may take up to eight credit hours in courses outside of the History Department. For the policy on transferring credit from another institution, see the section on Transfer Credit in the Enrollment Regulations section of this Catalog.
Upon admission, each student must consult with the Director of Graduate History Studies in order to establish a general plan of study. HIS 697 - Independent Study In History can be taken only with the approval of the Graduate Program Director.
Special Requirements for Plan A
1. A minimum of 24 credit hours in 600-level courses, which must include:
2. The remaining 6 credit hours may be taken at the 500 level.
Special Requirements for Plan B
1. A minimum of eighteen credit hours in 600-level courses, which must include:
2. The remaining 12 credit hours may be taken at the 500 level.
Museum Studies Specialization
The History Department, in cooperation with the Art Department and the Levin College of Urban Affairs, offers an interdisciplinary program that leads to a Master of Arts degree in History with a specialization in Museum Studies.
The program is broad in scope rather than highly specialized. Depth in a specialized area is achieved through HIS 599 - Internship in History, HIS 695 - Research Seminar in American, European, or Social History , and the elective courses.
Admissions Information
Admission requirements are the same as those for the MA in History program.
Degree Requirements
Students are required to complete a total of 30-33 credit hours in approved courses with at least a 3.0 grade-point average. Upon admission, each student must consult with the History Graduate Program Director in order to establish a general plan of study.
1. 21-23 credit hours in the following required courses:
Any three of the following:
2. Three additional courses (9 credit hours), 2 of which may be taken at the 500-level, in consultation with the Graduate Director and the Coordinator of History Internships.
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