西密歇根大学

The Master of Arts in History serves both as preparation for doctoral study and as a professional degree in many fields of research, teaching, and public history.

Program Requirements

Three options for completing the degree are available.

Thesis Option (30 hours)

1. History

HIST 6010 - Historiography Credits: 3 hours

2. A broad field of specialization built around readings courses and research seminars.

At least two readings courses are required and additional course work in this area is strongly recommended. At least one research seminar (HIST 6730-6890) is required. Specific research emphases are developed in consultation with the supervising professor and department faculty.

3. Students must take at least two courses

in which a major part of the course work incorporates theoretical or methodological approaches relevant to the study of history. Competence in theoretical or methodological tools is normally shown by a grade of “B” or better in approved course work or by an advanced degree in the appropriate social science or humanities discipline. Students must consult with their supervising professors and the director of graduate studies before enrolling in any course, to ensure that it will fulfill the requirement.

4. Department requirements

The department requires at least one course covering theory and/or research practices in an allied social science or humanities discipline.

5. Appropriate course work

Up to 6 hours of appropriate course work may be chosen outside the department, and up to 6 hours of appropriate course work in history at the 4000-level, exclusive of 4960-4990, may be elected with the approval of the supervising professor, the director of graduate studies, and the dean of the Graduate College.

6. Language requirement:

Proficiency in a language other than English demonstrated by satisfactory completion of a 2010-level or 5010-level non-English language course, or equivalent, or by a translation examination.

Students specializing in medieval and ancient history are required, at a minimum, to demonstrate facility in reading one ancient language (e.g.: Latin or Greek) and one modern language other than English.

7. Thesis: a major research investigation in the field of specialization.

All students in the History Thesis Option must complete and successfully defend the M.A. thesis.

General Option (33 hours)

1. History

HIST 6010 - Historiography Credits: 3 hours

2. A minimum of one reading course and one research seminar (HIST 6730-6890) in related fields.

3. Students must take at least one course

in which a major part of the course work incorporates theoretical or methodological approaches relevant to the study of history. Competence in theoretical or methodological tools is normally shown by a grade of “B” or better in approved course work or by an advanced degree in the appropriate social science or humanities discipline. Students must consult with their supervising professors and the director of graduate studies before enrolling in any course, to ensure that it will fulfill the requirement.

4. Up to 12 hours of course work

May be taken outside the department in an advisor-approved program of study, and up to 6 hours of appropriate course work in history at the 4000-level, exclusive of 4960-4990, may be elected with the approval of the supervising professor, director of graduate studies, and the dean of the Graduate College.