History
Online Master's Degree

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Overview


The decision to seek an advanced degree in the History Program reflects an interest in and an appreciation for the historical past. The History Graduate Program's purpose is threefold:
  • to enhance and deepen the content knowledge of history educators
  • to provide students with research and investigative skills applicable to academic and professional situations
  • to encourage the thoughtful and continuing study of history throughout the lifetime of the individual. 
Our faculty specialize in American History and the History of the Modern World. To apply for admission to this program:
  • Complete the Graduate School application
  • Submit your official transcripts to the Graduate School
  • Submit a personal essay addressing this prompt: "Describe your background in history, your purpose in pursuing a History MA, and your expectations for the program." Submission should be made by e-mail to the History Graduate Director, Kyle Thompson at mkthompson@pittstate.edu

History program application deadlines are March 1 for the Fall and Summer semesters and October 1 for the Spring semester.

This degree can be completed completely online, and online students are considered in-state in terms of tuition cost, regardless of where they live.

History Online Master's Degree Catalog Link

Cost


$393*

  • Total per credit hour

30-33

  • Credit hours
  • Total minimum tuition = $11,790*
    Total maximum tuition = $12,969*
    *Cost per credit hour and total tuition is based on 2023-2024 academic year tuition rates , master's program option, and assuming all coursework is completed online in the 2023-2024 academic year. Cost per credit hour and total tuition will vary if studies span over one or more academic year.

Additional information


  • About Master's Degree
  • Major Distinctives
  • Department Program Guide
  • Career Options
  • History Faculty
Options available for the degree include:

Option I: Thesis
  • This option is designed to prepare students for a doctoral program, for advanced professional careers, or for students wanting to complete an in-depth research experience. This option requires a minimum of 30 semester hours, including two graduate seminars. Thesis is contingent upon agreement by faculty member and their willingness to serve as thesis supervisor. Thesis spaces are competitive.
Option II: Applied Research
  • This option is designed for students planning to teach history or work in a public history setting. Students taking this option either present a substantial curricular project with classroom materials or a public history project and representative exhibit. This option requires a minimum of 33 semester hours, including three graduate seminars. Students will need to find a faculty member willing to serve as chair of the project. Applied research project spaces are not competitive.
Option III: Coursework
  • This option requires completion of coursework that demonstrates evidence of advanced study in an area of concentration. This option requires a minimum of 33 semester hours, including four graduate seminars.
Our History Program is committed to excellence in the education of teachers and to completeness in preparing degree-seeking students for many history-related career opportunities beyond teaching that are now available. We strongly believe in the relevance of other disciplines to history and encourage work in those areas relating to the student's historical interests.
A master's degree in history opens advanced career opportunities in non-profit and governmental professions. It is also a requirement to teach college-level courses and strengthens the content capacity of secondary history teachers. Finally, it allows for the pursuit of a doctorate.

About History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences Department


Solving the Real-World Issues of Today and Tomorrow 

Pittsburg State University’s School of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences consists of those specialties that have emerged as so desirable in the 21st century labor force. Students use the tools from GeographyHistoryPhilosophyPolitical ScienceCriminal JusticeSociology and Social Work programs and coursework to examine issues and to find sustainable solutions to complex problems affecting individuals, families, and society. 

The mission of the School of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences programs is to provide high quality instruction to students in ways that emphasize active learning, problem solving, and critical thinking through transformative experiences. Through our efforts, we aim to increase everyone’s awareness of how the ethnic, cultural, and other forms of diversity affect society. We invite you to visit the individual program areas to learn more about each field of study. 

Diversity and Inclusion: We are committed to collaboration, respect, understanding for all students, staff, and faculty. The programs of the School of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences at Pittsburg State University embraces a commitment to diversity as a community of individuals and programs which seek to reduce prejudice, disparities, discrimination and build a supportive environment for all.   

History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences Homepage

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