Graduate Program Overview
Students in the History Department’s graduate program benefit from small classes and one-on-one guidance from professors. Thesis and non-thesis options are available.
The Master of Arts program focuses on historical consciousness and the technical skills necessary to research, analyze and write effectively. Students also obtain broad knowledge of the history of the United States and other selected areas of study.
The master’s program also provides students with the level of preparation needed for teaching, pursuing advanced degrees in history or following other careers that call for analytical and communication skills.
Requirements
The History Department offers both a thesis and a non-thesis option for graduate students. Students who plan to enter a doctoral program after completing the M.A. are advised to choose the thesis option.
Thesis Option
Thesis students must complete 30 semester credit hours of master’s work. Twenty-four semester credit hours in history are required, including History 6373 (Historiography and Research) and History 6699 (Thesis) or History 6399 (Thesis) twice. Up to six semester credit hours may be earned in approved supporting electives.
A written comprehensive exam, taken upon completion of 24 semester credit hours of coursework, and an oral thesis defense, administered upon presentation of the thesis, are required. Satisfactory performance in the thesis defense is required for graduation.
Non-Thesis Option
Non-thesis students must complete 36 semester credit hours of master’s work. Thirty semester credit hours in history are required, including History 6373 (Historiography and Research). Up to six semester credit hours may be in approved supporting electives.
At least six credit hours in history must be in research seminars, which will lead to the preparation of an original research paper. The graduate adviser will indicate which seminars fulfill this requirement.
For All Students
Normally, all students take the four-course graduate sequence in United States history. These courses, History 6321, 6323, 6325 and 6327, are offered sequentially over a two-year time span.
Upon completion of at least 24 hours of course work, students will take an oral and a written examination administered by the history graduate faculty. Degree candidates will be expected to demonstrate a fundamental knowledge across the spectrum of U.S. history and other specified areas established when formulating their programs.
Facilities
An expanding collection of original research materials in the university library provide research and study opportunities for history graduate students. The History Department puts a strong emphasis on regional, Texas and Western American history. These areas are supported by accessibility to the West Texas Collection and Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, where diaries, journals and memoirs of early settlers and pioneers of the American frontier are preserved. Original manuscript sources and holdings of historical journals and periodicals are also available for reference.
Faculty research also extends to European and Latin American history as well as more general aspects of American history. A good basic collection of primary source materials in American history is available at ASU. Study and research in European and Latin American history is supported by library microfilm collections with some emphasis on 19th and 20th century diplomatic developments in these regions.
