Master of Arts in History
GRADUATE DEGREES
Statement of Purpose
The decision to seek an advanced degree in the Department of History reflects an interest in and an appreciation for the historical past. The department's purpose is four-fold: to prepare individuals well qualified to teach the subject of history, to demonstrate alternative modes of historical expression such as simulations and living history, to provide students with research and investigative skills applicable to academic and professional situations, and to encourage the thoughtful and continuing study of history throughout the lifetime of the individual. The department is dedicated to excellence in the education of teachers and to completeness in the preparation of students for the many career opportunities beyond teaching now open. The Department of History has committed itself to work with off-campus applicants to complete most or all of this program online, by email, and/or mail.
TOEFL
The minimum TOEFL score required for international students with a graduate major in history is 550/213 (paper-based/computer-based).
DEGREES
The Department of History at Pittsburg State University offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Arts degree and the Specialist in Education for community college teachers.
Master of Arts
Applicants for the Master of Arts degree should, in addition to the general requirements set forth in the University Catalog, present evidence of satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours of acceptable undergraduate work in history or the equivalent (see “Entry into the M.A. Program” below). Students interested in this degree or in further information about the Master of Arts program in history should write or consult with the Director of Graduate Studies of the Department of History (jschick@pittstate.edu). After reviewing the application, the director will assign the student a major professor to advise on matters of enrollment.
There are two options available for the Master of Arts degree, both of which require that a minimum of 15 semester hours of approved 800 level history courses must be successfully completed. A maximum of six semester hours of approved courses below the 700 level may also be included in the degree program.
OPTION I: Thesis This option requires, in addition to the coursework outlined below, enrollment in Research and Thesis 890. The department strongly recommends a thesis for any student planning to go on for a Ph.D. degree as preparation for researching and writing a dissertation. Option I requires a minimum of 30 semester hours.
OPTION III: Seminar This option involves three tracks to the degree. 1) Students may offer computer-based presentations and notes for assessment. 2) Students may present two term papers for evaluation. 3) Students may choose instead to take a comprehensive examination over one of four broad fields, as well as enroll in and pass two graduate seminars in history. Note that in Option III, satisfactory completion of HIST 892 Final Assessment for Option III is required. Option III requires a minimum of 32 semester hours.
Note: Most 500 and 600 level courses can be taken for graduate credit as History-Selected Subjects (___) 700. Graduate students can count a maximum of six credits of approved 500-600 level coursework on their graduate program. Should a graduate student wish to change to the higher level, the student should first secure the permission of his or her graduate adviser and then make arrangements with the instructor of the class prior to enrollment. In most cases additional work, in the form of a paper, additional book reviews, and the like, will be required in order to obtain the advanced credit. The section number (HIST 700) should be found in the online schedule of classes; if not, check with the department secretary.
The current Graduate Guidelines offer the most complete information on specific requirements for this degree. A copy can be obtained by contacting the department.