M.A. in History Details

M.A. in History Concentration

Graduate students in History may elect to pursue an M.A. with a concentration in American and/or European history. The general master’s degree in History is designed for a variety of professional positions in the public sector and for careers in public and community education. Students in the History concentration combine conventional history coursework with research and, in some cases, with internships. In general, students planning to continue at the doctoral level should select the thesis option and a specific group of courses that will prepare them for advanced study.

Thesis students complete 30 hours of coursework, including Research Methods and the thesis. In general, students who do not plan to continue at the doctoral level should select the non-thesis option and take courses appropriate for their goals. Non-thesis students complete 36 credits in coursework, which includes Research Methods and two research seminars.

M.A. in History–Thesis Option (30 credits)

Students pursuing the thesis option are required to take HIST 614: Research Methods, two sections of HIST 601: History Seminar, and six credits of HIST 795: Thesis. The remainder of the credits are electives, with no more than 12 credits coming from 500-level courses. No more than six credits may be taken outside of the program. This credit allowance is given only with advanced permission and at the discretion of the History Department graduate advisor/program coordinator.

Course Schedule

M.A. in History–Non Thesis Option (36 credits)

Students pursuing the non-thesis option are required to take HIST 614: Research Methods and two sections of HIST 601: History Seminar. The remainder of the credits are electives, with no more than 15 credits coming from 500-level courses. No more than six credits may be taken outside of the program. This credit allowance is given only with advanced permission and at the discretion of the history department graduate advisor/program coordinator.

Course Schedule

See the full course list

• History Department
• Keith Hall, Room 203
  390 Pratt Drive
  Indiana, PA 15705-1087
• Phone: 724-357-2284
• Fax: 724-357-6478

• Office Hours
• Monday through Friday
• 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• 1:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.