Master of Arts with a Major in History

Selected Educational Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge of political developments in history.
2. Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge of social developments in history.
3. Students will communicate effectively orally and in writing.
4. Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge of the process of historical research and critical analysis.
5. Students will complete historical research projects that effectively use library resources and computer and information technology.

Outcome Assessments

The department assesses the extent to which the program requirements create the desired outcomes by using a variety of techniques.

1. The History Department’s policy is that all graduate courses require such written work as essays, reviews, and research papers to help determine progress in research and written communication skills, analytical and interpretive skills, and mastery of course content.
2. The comprehensive written and oral examinations to which all students are subject provide a means of ascertaining mastery of historical knowledge as well an indication of the candidate’s adequate mastery in oral communication, critical analysis, historical synthesis, and historical interpretation commensurate with that expected of a student seeking a Master of Arts degree.
3. When such information is available, the History Department will use as an assessment tool the results of university-wide data related to the program and to Master of Arts graduates.

Prior to admission to any graduate program at Valdosta State University, applicants must first submit a completed application to the Graduate School. A completed application packet includes official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, official test scores (GRE or MAT), completed application form, fee, and any additional program requirements submitted by the admission deadline.

To be considered for your preferred term, all required materials must be received by the Graduate School no later than the close of business on the deadline. It is the responsibility of the applicant to allow adequate time for document submission and to ensure receipt of documents.

Admission Deadlines

Fall Deadline: April 1
Spring Deadline: October 1

Go to the Graduate School website  and click on Our Programs, then click on History Program for information on:

• Specific History Program Admission Requirements
• History Program Retention, Dismissal, and Readmission Policies
• History Program Graduation Requirements

To Apply Online, click here .

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree with a Major in History

Plan A (thesis program)

The thesis option is designed primarily for those students who plan on pursuing a Ph.D. in history upon completion of the M.A. at VSU.

HIST 7000	Seminar in Historiography	3
HIST Graduate Seminars		9
HIST Graduate courses		12
HIST 7999	Thesis	3-6
Electives (must include at least one 3-hour history graduate course outside of primary and secondary fields and may include one 3-hour graduate course outside of history)		6
Total Required for the Degree		36

Plan B (non-thesis program)

The non-thesis option is designed primarily for students currently employed as secondary education teachers, those seeking an advanced degree in history to teach at the community college level, or those seeking a graduate degree in history for any other personal or professional reason.

HIST 7000	Seminar in Historiography	3
HIST Graduate Seminars		9
HIST Graduate courses		15
Electives (must include at least one 3-hour history graduate course outside of primary and secondary fields and may include one 3-hour graduate course outside of history)		6
Total Required for the Degree		33

Comprehensive Exams and Foreign Language Requirement

1. Regardless of which option students select, they must pass both a comprehensive written and oral examination.
2. Regardless of which option students select, they must pass a reading knowledge examination in a foreign language. In the thesis program, a grade of “B” or better in a fourth sequence course in a foreign language may be accepted in lieu of a reading knowledge exam. In the non-thesis program, a grade of “B” or better in a third sequence course in a foreign language may be accepted in lieu of a reading knowledge exam.