MASTER OF ARTS IN HISTORY
Master of Arts in History
Michael Nolan, Graduate Coordinator, WA 223 | Phone: (203) 837-8483 |
nolanm@wcsu.edu | |
Patricia Lerner, Department Secretary, WA 224 | Phone: (203) 837-8484 |
lernerp@wcsu.edu | |
Fax: (203) 837-8905 |
Faculty: | K. Allocco; J. Duffy; W. Gadkar-Wilcox; K. Gutzman; L. Lindenauer; M. May; M. Nolan; J. Rosenthal |
Program Learning Goal
The goal of the Master of Arts (M.A.) in History degree program is for students to develop their skills in analyzing and interpreting historical events and interrelational developments in diverse areas of the world.
Program Learning Objective
Our objective is to provide an exciting and relevant curriculum specifically designed for students who are secondary school teachers, college graduates preparing for careers in college teaching, or professionals from outside the academic world who value the intellectual challenge afforded by the serious study history.
Program Learning Outcome
Through our required comprehensive examination and our MA thesis option, students will demonstrate a mastery of a body of advanced secondary literature, a mastery over key events and figures, and an ability to answer key questions in innovative ways appropriate to their specific track and chosen field of study within history.
Admission Requirements
August 1 is the fall deadline to apply to the M.A. in History program. Application deadline for the spring semester is January 1. Late applications may be considered. All admissions are made at the discretion of the History Graduate Admissions Committee.
Requirements include an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.7. The GPA in history courses should be at least 3.0. An applicant with an undergraduate degree and a GPA below 3.0 may submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores and an explanation of relevant circumstances to support his or her application.
The following materials must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions, Old Main, rm. 101:
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- A completed graduate admission application form and fee.
- Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate courses and degrees.
- A statement of purpose, two to four pages, typed and double-spaced. The statement should describe the applicant’s relevant past experience, academic and career goals, and interest in the M.A. in History program.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can effectively assess the applicant’s general academic potential.
- Acceptance by the History Graduate Admissions Committee.
Degree Requirements
A minimum of 30 semester-hour credits is required for the M.A. in History.
Student must:
a. Complete at least 12 semester hours (four courses) in one of three major fields below:
- American History (AH)
- European History (EH)
- World History (WH)
b. Complete at least 6 credit hours (two courses) of electives.
c. Pass a written comprehensive examination in the major field. The comprehensive examination will consist of four questions from at least two different faculty members. At least two of the questions have to be in the major field. To be eligible to take the comprehensive examination, the student must complete all course work prior to or within the semester in which the comprehensive exam is taken. The student must have at that time an average of “B” or better in his or her coursework. Students should contact the graduate coordinator to schedule the comprehensive examination.
Acceptable Variations:
1. Students choosing to do a master’s thesis must complete the six (6) semester-hour thesis course (HIS 592) instead of two elective courses.
2. With the graduate coordinator’s approval, students may take a maximum of six (6) semester hours in 500-level courses in allied fields (such as English) or in 400-level History courses.
COURSES OFFERED
Courses offered/rotation include, but are not limited to, the following:
HIS 505 New York City: Its History and Culture | 3 SH | AH | |||
HIS 506 Readings in American History to 1877 | 3 SH | AH | |||
HIS 507 Readings in American History Since 1877 | 3 SH | AH | |||
HIS 508 Readings in European History to 1500 | 3 SH | EH | |||
HIS 509 Readings in European History since 1500 | 3 SH | EH | |||
HIS 510 Fascism: Revolution or Counterrevolution | 3 SH | EH | |||
HIS 515 The French Revolution | 3 SH | EH | |||
HIS 516 The American Revolution | 3 SH | AH | |||
HIS 520 Origins of World War I | 3 SH | EH, WH | |||
HIS 521 Origins of World War II | 3 SH | EH, WH | |||
HIS 535 African-American History and Culture | 3 SH | AH | |||
HIS 536 The Civil War Era | 3 SH | AH | |||
HIS 537 America in the Sixties | 3 SH | AH | |||
HIS 539 America in the 1950s | 3 SH | AH | |||
HIS 542 Approaches to World History | 3 SH | WH | |||
HIS 544 U.S. Immigration History | 3 SH | AH | |||
HIS 545 U.S. Urban History | 3 SH | AH | |||
HIS 556 Colonial North America | 3 SH | AH | |||
HIS 557 The Early American Republic | 3 SH | AH | |||
HIS 558 History of the American South | 3 SH | AH | |||
HIS 570 Chinese Thought and Religion | 3 SH | WH | |||
HIS 571 China in the Twentieth Century | 3 SH | WH |
Consult the graduate program coordinator for appropriate course selections.