Master of Arts in History Postgraduate Program By Washington State University |Top Universities

Program overview

Main Subject

History

Study Level

Masters

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. The program consists of 30 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree; 6 of the 30 credit hours must be Master’s Research, Thesis, and/or Examination (History 700). At least 21 hours must be in courses and seminar work at the 400 and 500 level taken for traditional letter grades (A–F). Of these 21 hours of course work, up to 6 credits of non-graduate credit may be used. Six (6) of these credit hours may be taken outside the Department of History from courses listed in the Graduate School Bulletin. At least 15 hours must be taken in the Department of History; these must include Historiography (History 580), one (1) 3-credit research seminar that is linked with three (3) credits of History 700: Master’s Research (taken with student’s major professor), one (1) field course in the general or primary field and one (1) field course in an area outside the primary and general fields. Course work outside of these core requirements at the 400 or 500 level should be taken in the student’s fields of study. All M.A. students are expected to take at least 3 graduate-level, 3-credit, letter-graded courses in their primary or general field, and at least 2 additional graduate-level, 3-credit, letter-graded courses. If required courses are not available during the student’s tenure in the program, appropriate substitutes may be taken (History 597, independent readings, etc.) with the approval of the major professor and the director of graduate studies.

Program overview

Main Subject

History

Study Level

Masters

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. The program consists of 30 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree; 6 of the 30 credit hours must be Master’s Research, Thesis, and/or Examination (History 700). At least 21 hours must be in courses and seminar work at the 400 and 500 level taken for traditional letter grades (A–F). Of these 21 hours of course work, up to 6 credits of non-graduate credit may be used. Six (6) of these credit hours may be taken outside the Department of History from courses listed in the Graduate School Bulletin. At least 15 hours must be taken in the Department of History; these must include Historiography (History 580), one (1) 3-credit research seminar that is linked with three (3) credits of History 700: Master’s Research (taken with student’s major professor), one (1) field course in the general or primary field and one (1) field course in an area outside the primary and general fields. Course work outside of these core requirements at the 400 or 500 level should be taken in the student’s fields of study. All M.A. students are expected to take at least 3 graduate-level, 3-credit, letter-graded courses in their primary or general field, and at least 2 additional graduate-level, 3-credit, letter-graded courses. If required courses are not available during the student’s tenure in the program, appropriate substitutes may be taken (History 597, independent readings, etc.) with the approval of the major professor and the director of graduate studies.

Admission requirements

7+

Tuition fee and scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

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More programs from the university

Washington State University is a top-tier public research university where scholars strive to make the world a better place. Students volunteer 75,000+ hours of service annually. Undergraduates learn hands-on, alongside professors whose discoveries resonate globally. Research addresses issues in health, food, energy, sustainability, social opportunity, and global security.

  • 200+ FIELDS OF STUDY. Many undergraduate programs rank among America’s best. Broadcasting students gain practical experience at student-run television and radio stations. Organic agriculture students work on a 30-acre certified organic teaching farm. Business majors study overseas to experience cross-cultural practices.
  • LEARN BY DOING. Students enter national competitions in robotics, clean energy, business, and more. They present papers at conferences and publish findings in scholarly journals.
  • INTERNATIONAL EMPHASIS. Study abroad programs span 86 countries. The Honors College immerses students in discussion of international issues. 1,700+ international students enrich cultural diversity on campus.
  • 76 MASTER’S AND 66 DOCTORAL PROGRAMS. Plus, professional programs include business administration, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. An independently accredited medical school is planned for the Spokane Health Sciences Campus.
  • STATEWIDE AND WORLDWIDE REACH. At the flagship Pullman campus, Cougar spirit unites 18,000+ students. WSU also has locations in Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Everett. Extension offices occupy every county. Online education is accessible worldwide.

Washington State University is a top-tier public research university where scholars strive to make the world a better place. Research addresses issues in health, food, energy, sustainability, social opportunity, and global security.

  • 76 MASTER’S AND 66 DOCTORAL PROGRAMS, PLUS PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS. Professional programs include business administration, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. An independently accredited medical school is planned for the Health Sciences Campus in Spokane.
  • NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FACULTY. WSU scholars include members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and recipients of numerous national awards and fellowships. WSU researchers garner worldwide recognition for their discoveries. Many stand among the most widely published and frequently cited scholars in the nation.
  • COLLABORATION WITH NATIONAL LAB AND U.S. AGENCIES. WSU scholars team with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory on research for sustainable production of bioproducts and biofuels. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service works seamlessly with WSU researchers from on-campus offices.
  • STATEWIDE AND WORLDWIDE REACH. The main WSU campus in Pullman, nestled among the rolling hills of southeastern Washington, serves 18,000+ students. The Health Sciences Campus sits along the scenic riverfront in Spokane. Additional locations include Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Everett. Online education is accessible worldwide.

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