The M.A. program in history, like the department's undergraduate program, rests solidly upon the American and European fields of study, with more intensive focus in graduate studies upon historiography, research methods, and the writing of history. Course offerings are balanced between European and American history. Most thesis subjects are selected from topics in United States history or regional history, reflecting the strength of library holdings. The program serves teachers in the area's secondary schools, adults seeking personal enrichment or career advancement, and students who will pursue doctoral-level studies elsewhere. Career opportunities may be enhanced in all fields with familiarization courses in statistics and computer sciences. Students are encouraged to consult with their graduate advisors regarding the benefits of these ancillary skills.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants for graduate study in history must present a satisfactory undergraduate scholastic record and satisfactory GRE scores on the aptitude portion of the examination. Each applicant must (1) have a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (A=4.0) or at least 3.0 for the last 60 hours of work; (2) score at least 1500 on the three aptitude portions of the GRE; and (3) have an undergraduate major in history or its equivalent as determined by the departmental graduate committee.

Degree Programs
Students pursuing the master's degree in history may choose one of three degree programs, depending on their personal and professional goals. PLAN A (thesis with language) is strongly recommended for all students who plan study in history beyond the masterΉs level, PLAN B (thesis without language), and PLAN C (substitution of 9 hours of graduate history courses for the thesis, without language) are considered terminal degrees and are intended primarily for those who do not intend further graduate work in history. Upon admission to the graduate program, each student will sign a MasterΉs Declaration of Study indicating which plan he or she intends to follow.

Under PLAN A, students are required to demonstrate reading proficiency in French, German, Latin, Russian, or Spanish. This should be done early in the program of study. The language requirement may be satisfied by completion of 4 semesters of study in the language, with an overall GPA of 3.0, or by demonstrating reading proficiency, which will be determined by the department in cooperation with the Department of Languages and Literatures. Students may also make arrangements through the departmental chair to take a standardized (ETS) foreign language test administered at UAH.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate School requirements, the History Department requirements for the Master of Arts degree are as follows:

PLAN A

1. Eighteen semester hours of graduate work in history, six of which may be transfer credit approved by the departmental graduate committee. Equal course distribution of U.S. and European history is expected within these 18 hours. HY 605 is required.
2. Six additional hours of elective graduate courses in history or a related subject approved by the graduate committee.
3. At least 50 percent of the hours for a graduate degree (excluding thesis credit hours) in courses numbered 600 or above. At least nine hours must be in history courses numbered 600 or above (excluding thesis credit hours at UAH).
4. Master's thesis carrying a minimum of six hours credit.
5. Reading proficiency in French, German, Latin, Russian, or Spanish.
6. Oral comprehensive examination covering courses and thesis. Students must demonstrate competency in at least two fields of history.

PLAN B

Same as above, excluding language requirement.

PLAN C

1. Eighteen semester hours of graduate work in history, six of which may be transfer credit approved by the departmental graduate committee. Equal course distribution of U.S. and European history is expected within these 18 hours. HY 605 is required.
2. Six additional hours of elective graduate courses in history or a related subject approved by the graduate committee.
3. At least 50 percent of the hours for a graduate degree (excluding thesis credit hours) in courses numbered 600 or above. At least nine hours must be in history courses numbered 600 or above.
4. Nine hours of graduate history courses in lieu of a thesis.
5. Oral and written comprehensive examination covering coursework. Students must demonstrate competency in at least two fields of history.

The requirements for the Master of Arts degree for those students seeking Class A certification are the same as above with the following exceptions:

1. Nine hours of graduate courses in education may be substituted for the elective graduate courses in history or a related subject.
   
2. An additional nine hours in history may be allowed in lieu of thesis.
3. The student must hold Class B certification.
4. A student who does not write a thesis must take both oral and written comprehensive examinations.
5. The Department of Education will coordinate and direct any supplementary requirements.