Introduction
The History M.A. program is currently suspended, approved by VPAA through admission cycle 2025-2026.
The Department of History offers an M.A. degree in history for those individuals who are interested in postgraduate work, but who are not planning to complete a Ph.D. It is a degree program that can fulfill in-service education requirements for current teachers as well as for future teachers earning a single-subject credential in social studies. Part-time enrollment is allowed.
Each student will be required to choose one of three areas of specialization (U.S., Europe, East Asia). To complete the degree, each student must pass a total of 12 courses of 5 credits each and two courses of 2 credits each. Students are required to produce a substantial research essay (average word count of 8000-10,000) grounded in original research in primary historical documents. There is no language requirement.
Detailed information for prospective graduate students, including procedures for applications and admission to graduate studies, examinations and requirements is available from the Division of Graduate Studies.
Applications
The deadline for applications to the History Program is Dec. 10 of each year. Admission information and application material are on the Division of Graduate Studies website.
Requirements
The M.A. degree is awarded after two years in residence, provided that the following requirements have been met:
- Completion of 12 five-credit courses and two 2-credit proseminars
- Removal of all Incomplete notations on record
- Approval of an M.A. essay
Course Requirements
| HIS 200 | Methods and Theories of History | 5 |
| HIS 201 | Directed Research Colloquium | 5 |
| HIS 202 | Practicing World History | 5 |
One research seminar during the first four quarters:
| HIS 204A | History of Gender Research Seminar | 5 |
| HIS 204C | Colonialism, Nationalism and Race Research Seminar | 5 |
| HIS 204E | Transnationalism, Borderlands, and History | 5 |
Three Proseminars of 2 credits each including:
| HIS 280A | History Graduate Proseminar: Teaching Pedagogy | 2 |
| HIS 280B | History Graduate Proseminar: Research Presentations and Grant Writing | 2 |
| HIS 280C | History Graduate Proseminar: Job Market | 2 |
Six area of concentration electives of 5 credits each, two of which may be taken outside the History Department.
Courses taken must be graduate seminars, upper-division undergraduate courses, and independent study courses (maximum of two).
Reading seminars in the area of specialization:
U.S.:
Europe:
| HIS 251A | Readings in Modern European History: Environment and Technology | 5 |
| HIS 251B | Readings in Modern European History: Empire | 5 |
East Asia:
Further details about the graduate program are available from the Department of History website.
Applying for Graduation
The final essay (hard copy and pdf copy) must be submitted to the graduate program coordinator by the spring quarter deadline. A completed Application for the Master's Degree must be filed with the graduate coordinator with the submission of your final essay.
Essay Review and Evaluation
The Graduate Committee evaluates the master’s essays and makes recommendations to the graduate director on the awarding of the M.A. degree. Applicants are notified of the committee's decision in June.