There are two tracks in our master’s program: Thesis and Non-Thesis. We also offered an accelerated track where current undergraduates can earn their BA and MA in five years. Students can choose which track best suits their needs. 

Thesis Track

The Thesis Track requires 30 semester hours of approved graduate courses. Required courses include:

  • Methods and Historiography (HIST 6103) - This class introduces students to research methodologies as well as important historiographical debates. 
  • Preparing Historians (HIST 6503) - This professionalization course prepares students for teaching and various careers. 
  • Two Graduate Seminars on various topics (HIST 6003) - Graduate seminars are offered every semester.  The topic and instructor rotates. 
  • Thesis I & Thesis II (HIST 6983 & HIST 6993) - During thesis hours, students will undertake original historical research and draft thesis chapters.
  • Four Elective Courses - These courses are offered every semester. The topic and instructor rotates.

To graduate, students must produce a polished thesis of at least 60 pages and pass an oral examination in front of their Graduate Advisory Committee (GAC). The GAC consists of three or four faculty members who will guide and advise the student during the thesis process. This committee will approve the thesis and administer the oral examination.

See the list of theses to see the scope of projects our students have undertaken.  For more information on expectations and format, consult the departmental guidelines for theses and the Graduate School's guidelines. 

Non-Thesis Track

The Non-Thesis Track requires 36 semester hours of approved graduate courses. Required classes include:

  • Methods and Historiography (HIST 6103) - This class introduces students to research methodologies as well as important historiographical debates. 
  • Preparing Historians (HIST 6503) - This professionalization course prepares students for teaching and various careers. 
  • Four Graduate Seminars on various topics (HIST 6003) - Graduate seminars are offered every semester.  The topic and instructor rotates. 
  • Six Elective Courses - These courses are offered every semester. The topic and instructor rotates.

To graduate, non-thesis students must present and defend a polished exit paper based on research conducted in their coursework. 

Five-Year Path Option (Accelerated BA/MA Program)

This program allows talented students to earn their BA and MA in history within five years.  Students take 30 semester hours of approved graduate courses. Required classes include:

  • Methods and Historiography (HIST 6103) - This class introduces students to research methodologies as well as important historiographical debates. 
  • Preparing Historians (HIST 6503) - This professionalization course prepares students for teaching and various careers. 
  • Two Graduate Seminars on various topics (HIST 6003) - Graduate seminars are offered every semester.  The topic and instructor rotates. 
  • Six Elective Courses - These courses are offered every semester. The topic and instructor rotates.

To graduate, Five-Year Path students must present and defend a polished exit paper based on research conducted in their coursework. 

Graduate Certificate & Graduate Minor

For those not interested in earning a master's in history, we offer a graduate certificate in history as well as a graduate minor. The graduate certificate in history requires 12 semester hours of approved graduate courses, including one Graduate Seminar (HIST 6003). The Graduate Minor requires 12 semester hours of approved graduate courses. More information about these programs can be found in the Graduate Catalog.