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Master of Arts (revised April 2006)

Possible routes to the M. A. are as follows.

  1. Eight course credits distributed as follows. This route will normally take one academic year:
    • At least four credits must be at the 2000 level. At least three of those four graduate credits must be fulfilled through coursework in the History Department.
    • A maximum of two of the eight credits may be taken outside the Department, provided the student presents a coherent program.
    • Students should designate a thematic, geographical, or chronological focus for their studies. At least two of the eight credits are to be fulfilled through courses in that area. A maximum of one of these two credits may be taken outside the Department, subject to approval.
  2. Eight course credits in accordance with the distribution described in #1 above, plus the writing of an M. A. thesis. This route will normally take more than one academic year:
  3. For those students enrolled in the M.A./Ph.D. program, satisfactory completion of the first year of study.

It is strongly recommended that those students considering writing an MA thesis or applying to a PhD program take a research seminar in History.

Seminars should be taken with at least two different instructors. All courses must be completed with grades of B or better for the student to receive graduate credit. There is no foreign language requirement for the master's degree.