M.A. Program
The Master of Arts in History is a two-year program. Students take coursework in preparation for a capstone research project and comprehensive exams in two historical fields.
Advisor
The Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) assigns each entering M.A. student a faculty advisor. Students should meet with advisors at least once a semester for progress updates. If a student wishes to change advisors, he/she should notify his/her existing advisor, and the director of graduate studies.
Coursework
MA students must complete 30 credit hours of graduate credit (400/500 level), 20 of which must be at the 500 level. Students are encouraged to take graduate level courses outside the History Department, 10 credits of which may apply to program of study. Students must take History 500 and 501. All students must take 1 colloquium/seminar sequence, and are encouraged to take 2.
Teaching assistants and graders are required to take 2 semesters of History 597. Students may do independent readings (History 490/590) on a given topic with the approval of the mentoring professor. Professor and student should together fill out the Consent for Independent Study form. You can get a copy of the form from Ms. Shea. Six hours of 490/590 may be applied to the program of study.
Research Tool
M.A. students have four options for the completion of the research tool.
- Four semesters of previous study of a foreign language as an undergraduate with B average or better;
- Passage of Foreign Language 488 with a B or better;
- Passage of a translation test administered by the Foreign Language program; or
- Students may take two theory or methods courses in another discipline at the 400/500 level, and receive a B or better. Students who choose this option must petition the graduate director in writing for approval of their chosen coursework, explaining how the coursework enriches the student’s research agenda.
Thesis/Two Paper Option
Within the first year of graduate study, students should decide whether to write a thesis, or choose the 2 research paper option. M.A. students who plan to go on for a Ph.D. should write theses, under the supervision of their advisor. Students who opt to write a thesis may enroll in no more than 6 credits of History 599 – Thesis. Student and advisor should together devise a committee of at least 3 faculty members to assess the thesis. For additional information on thesis writing, contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Rachel Stocking, at stocking@siu.edu.
Students who opt for the two paper option should prepare two significant research papers, usually in conjunction with History seminar courses. The two papers must be filed with the graduate secretary prior to graduation.
Exams and Committees
M.A. students take exams in 2 historical fields. In consultation with their advisor, students should select these fields in the first year of study, and endeavor to take courses in those fields. Students should meet with professors in those fields to establish reading lists and ground rules for exams. Exams must be taken and exam and oral defense passed at least 2 weeks prior to graduation. For information on fields and exams, click here.
Satisfactory Progress
Progress is measured by timely completion of program requirements and maintenance of 3.0 or better GPA. Failure to maintain satisfactory progress may result in probation or dismissal from the program.
