Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Graduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

History [M.A.]


The Master of Arts in History enables students to acquire both general and specific knowledge concerning the human past. The program features specialization and breadth in subject matter. It also incorporates instruction in historiography and methodology as well as practice in research and writing. Students learn to locate, assess and present historical data from primary and secondary sources. This helps students refine their understanding of the meaning and matter of history. The degree can serve as preparation for teaching at the secondary level, for positions in government or business or for further graduate work at the doctoral level.

Program Admission


Applicants must

  1. Complete at least 20 hours of undergraduate coursework in history, with a GPA of at least 2.75 for all undergraduate history courses.
  2. Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or a 3.0 GPA in the second half of the undergraduate program.
  3. Complete the Graduate School Application. All application materials are submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office.
  4. Have earned a valid undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year institution of higher education.
  5. Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities. EMU alumni do not need to request official transcripts.
  6. Complete a personal statement describing your academic interests and your career and educational goals. The essay should be 300-500 words.

International students must have a minimum TOEFL score | See International Admissions for minimum scores

Department Information


History & Philosophy | ​James Egge, Ph.D.Department Head | 701 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.1018, jegge@emich.edu

Advisor Information


John McCurdy, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator, 701 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.1018, jmccurdy@emich.edu

New students should arrange an early conference with the graduate advisor to plan their programs in detail.

Degree Requirements: 30 hours


The Master of Arts in History program requires successful completion of at least 30 hours of course work. Courses in history are divided into the following areas:

Area 1: United States
Area 2: Europe
Area 3: Other World Areas

Students pursuing the M.A. in History may enroll in one of the two following programs: the Standard Program or the Thesis Program. All students will initially apply to the Standard Program; those wishing to apply to the Thesis Program may do so after having completed 15-18 hours of graduate course work in history.

Standard Program


This program is appealing to teachers at the secondary level and to those who wish to pursue careers teaching at a community college. Graduates of this program can also find jobs in state and federal government or in publishing, or they may combine this degree with graduate work in library and information science, public history or historic preservation. This program calls for 30 hours of course work and a comprehensive examination in each of two areas of concentration. The scope, nature and method of examination are determined by each examiner in consultation with the student. Course requirements for the standard program are as follows:

  • Required Courses: 5 hours

  • 3 hrs
  • 2 hrs
  •  

    Restricted Elective Courses: 12-18 hours

    Three courses in each of two of the following three areas:

    Area 1: United States
    Area 2: Europe
    Area 3: Other World Areas

     

    Elective Courses in History: 1-13 hours

    One to 13 hours selected in consultation with the graduate advisor.

     

    Cognate Courses: 0-6 hours

    Zero to six hours selected in consultation with the graduate advisor.

Thesis Program


Designed for those intending to pursue doctoral studies in history, this program provides students with the opportunity to do extended scholarly research and writing on an historical problem in their chosen field. Students will apply for admission into the thesis track after having completed 15-20 hours of coursework in the standard M.A. program in History. To be admitted into this program, students need a GPA of 3.5 in their graduate coursework in History. Students will also submit a detailed prospectus describing the historical problem they intend to research, along with a review of the current state of scholarship in the field. The narrative will provide the thesis committee with an outline of the thesis, along with a projected timeline for the completion of the work. Neither the GRE nor a foreign language is required for admission into the thesis track of the M.A. in History program. However, students should consult with their thesis director on the advisability of gaining competency in a foreign language in preparation for engaging in advanced research on the doctoral level. Course requirements for the thesis program are as follows: