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

Applications will be reviewed when they are completed. In order to receive a graduate assistantship through the History Department, applicants must meet the following deadlines:

Fall Deadline: July 15
Spring Deadline: November 15
Summer Deadline: April 15

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.

Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Track

              Students in the Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Program interested in continuing their graduate education may apply for admission to the M.A. in History program in their senior year or upon completion of their undergraduate degree.  Full admission to the Graduate School requires completion of the bachelor’s degree.  Students in the Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Program will not be required to take additional admission tests but must meet all other graduate admission requirements.  Students who have completed the Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Program will complete additional hours of graduate HIST classes to meet the M.A. in History degree requirements. 

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

Plan A (thesis research concentration)

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.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses 1		9
HIST 7000	Seminar in Historiography
HIST 5700	History Content for Teaching World History Surveys
HIST 6700	History Content for Teaching U. S. History Surveys
Guided Electives (5000-level or above HIST courses) 1		15
Graduate Electives (may include one 3-hour graduate course outside of history)		6
HIST 7999	Thesis	6
Total Required for the Degree		36

Plan B (non-thesis teaching concentration)

The teaching content option is designed primarily for students currently employed as primary and secondary school teachers, those seeking credentials to teach college dual enrollment courses at secondary institutions, or those seeking to teach at the post-secondary level.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses 1		9
HIST 7000	Seminar in Historiography
HIST 5700	History Content for Teaching World History Surveys
HIST 6700	History Content for Teaching U. S. History Surveys
Guided Electives (5000-level or above HIST courses) 1		15
Graduate Electives (may include one 3-hour graduate course outside of history)		6
Total Required for the Degree		30

Comprehensive Exams and Foreign Language Requirement

1. Regardless of which concentration students select, they must pass a comprehensive written examination.
2. Thesis concentration students must pass an oral defense of their thesis (no written exam).
3. Thesis concentration students must pass a reading knowledge examination in a foreign language. 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.

1

Students may complete up to 9 hours of required courses (HIST 7000, HIST 5700, HIST 6700) or guided elective graduate courses as undergraduates in the Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate track. Students must complete all required and guided elective courses not already successfully completed for the Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Track with a Major in History (History Track--B.A. Degree only) or the Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Track for the B.A. in History/B.S.Ed. with a Major in Secondary Education: History Education Track at Valdosta State University.