Master of Arts in History

Degree Requirements

A master's student designs a specific program to meet one of three plans:

T. Brice Pearce is pursuing his masters degree. His research interests include Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern sexuality and gender, Ancient religious practices, and Latin and Greek historians and literature. His thesis is on Plutarch and historiography.

Plan A allows substantial training and research in a single subfield of history but within a foundation of broader coursework. Plan A requires at least eight courses in history numbered 800 or above, including at least one research seminar; a thesis in a single subfield (equivalent to two courses).

Plan B allows substantial breadth over at least two subfields. The subfields in history include the following: the ancient world, medieval Europe, early modern Europe, modern Europe, European intellectual history, medieval England, early modern England, modern England, early modern France, modern France, early modern Germany, modern Germany, Iberia, Russia, early U.S., modern U.S., colonial Latin America, modern Latin America, the Far East, the Near East, sub-Saharan Africa, and the history of science. Plan B requires at least ten courses in history numbered 800 or above, including at least one research seminar; oral examination demonstrating competence in two subfields of history.

Plan C allows students who enter the doctoral program without an M.A. to pursue the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees simultaneously. Plan C requires at least 30 credits of coursework during preparation for the Ph.D. qualifying examinations, as described below; submission of a seminar or other research paper as a demonstration of competence in basic research techniques; passing Ph.D. qualifying examinations.

For further information consult the Graduate Student handbook or contact the Graduate Director, Prof. Kurk Dorsey.