华盛顿州立大学

The Department of History offers programs of study for full time and part-time students leading to a Masters of Arts (MA) degree. Students entering the MA program in History are expected to show promise of doing excellent work at the graduate level. All MA students conduct independent research leading to a written thesis, with the objective of making a contribution to the body of academic knowledge in History. Research will be focused on a specific Primary Field, which is embedded in a broader General Field that gives a geographical, chronological, and historiographical framework for the research. The program will culminate with a final oral examination. The strong research emphasis and thesis experience prepare interested students for doctoral programs and careers in research and teaching. Financial aid in the form of an assistantship is available for dedicated, quality full-time MA students.

Student Learning Outcomes:

All graduates will be able to:

Student’s mastery of the main methodologies and historical arguments in the primary fields of study.
Student’s familiarity with the major trends in historiography and the methodological innovations associated with changes in historiographical theory.
Student’s ability to apply appropriate theories and methods to the major field through independent research projects.
Student’s demonstrated mastery of historical exposition.
Student’s skills associated with the presentation of historical research within the professional apparatus of the discipline, and communication skills for diverse professional purposes.
Student’s success in the production of a successful and nationally commensurate master’s thesis or dissertation by defining a viable research project and conducting research according to nationally recognized professional standards.
Student’s skills associated with the teaching of history at the college level.

Student Opportunities:

The Department of History has a committee dedicated to Graduate Professional Development. History graduate students also organize a weekly colloquium in addition to weekly meetings of the History Graduate Students Association (HGSA). The HIST 595 course gives students knowledge and practice for teaching in higher education.

Career Opportunities:

Students receiving a Masters in History can go on to work with museums and curation as well as teach in a secondary education setting and work as a research historian at both private and governmental organizations.

Career Placements:

Instructors in secondary education; curriculum development and educational publishing; assistant of education and curation at a museum; assistant director at a historic National Park Service site; research historians in private organizations.