(Code 380-804)
The Master of Arts-History is intended for those who wish to increase their backgrounds in history and for those students who intend to do further advanced work in history. Graduate students who complete the program are expected to broaden and deepen their knowledge and understanding of history and techniques of historical research to ensure a sound, factual knowledge and a grasp of pertinent historical literature in the fields in which they study, to appreciate the historical method of searching for truth, and to recognize the complex nature of historical developments.
Degree requirements have been arranged and a counseling system devised with the intention of providing each student a program encompassing both breadth and depth.
NOTES:
1. At least 18 credits must be taken in courses open only to graduate students (700-level).
2. Up to nine credits may be from disciplines outside of history with the approval of the advisor.
3. All students must attain a GPA of 3.00 or higher.
Areas of Expertise and Exams: Graduate students prepare themselves in an area of expertise designed to meet their needs and interests. Areas of expertise may be defined by broad themes, topics, chronology, or geography. A required written comprehensive exam will be based upon substantial knowledge of the student’s area of expertise based upon research, course work, and bibliographies created in consultation with faculty. During their final semester all students are also required to take an oral exam related to their area of expertise. Non-thesis students’ oral exam will be based upon their course work and written comprehensive exam. For students completing a thesis, the oral exam will be related to their research. The oral exam committee includes the graduate coordinator, one or two additional history graduate faculty, and one graduate faculty from outside the Department of History.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes:
- The student demonstrates a broad knowledge and understanding of history.
- The student demonstrates an understanding of theoretical approaches to history and historiography.
- The student analyzes and interprets historical developments through research, writing, and oral presentations.
- The student applies an understanding of the historical complexity of the people, institutions, events, and ideas that shape the world today.
- The student demonstrates the foundations of a professional identity as an historian.
- The student demonstrates an understanding of the theory and ethics of public history (for public history students).
The accelerated pathway to a M.A. in History – Liberal Arts and History – Public History provides qualified undergraduate students the opportunity to complete up to 15 credits of approved accelerated coursework that fulfill both M.A. and B.A./B.S. degree requirements. Students admitted to this accelerated program will work with their academic advisor and the history graduate director to create a personalized accelerated program that conforms to the policies and procedures detailed below.
Eligibility for Admission to the History Accelerated Program (Liberal Arts and Public History)
- Junior standing (minimum of 60 credits completed).
- Completion of all prerequisite coursework.
- 3.0 overall GPA.
- Completion of History 288 with a B+ or better.
- Completed application, including a letter of intent and two recommendations.
Terms of Enrollment in the History Accelerated Program (Liberal Arts and Public History)
- Complete up to 15 accelerated credits. Students are required to work with the history graduate director to select and enroll in accelerated courses.
- Earn a B or better in all accelerated courses.
- Because the accelerated courses taken during this accelerated program also count toward the bachelor’s degree, this credit may not be transferable to graduate programs outside of UWEC.
- Accelerated credits are billed at the graduate level tuition rate.
- Acceptance into the history accelerated program does not guarantee acceptance into the history M.A. program.
- Students may leave the history accelerated program at any time without consequences.
Completion of History Accelerated Program (Liberal Arts and Public History)
- Submit graduate application for history M.A. program prior to completing bachelor’s degree.
- Application of accelerated coursework to the graduate program will be confirmed upon admission into the history M.A. program and completion of the first term in the history M.A. program.
