M.A. Program

The Department of History has two M.A. programs. Students can choose either a thesis option or a nonthesis option. The latter requires additional coursework and written comprehensive exams in lieu of a thesis. Under either option, students can choose from a wide variety of major fields, ranging from ancient to contemporary history and including many geographic areas. Degree requirements under either option can be completed in two academic years. Most M.A. students in our department choose the thesis option. Students should select this option if they plan to pursue a Ph.D. degree or other advanced academic training.


Admission

We expect that students who seek admission to the M.A. program will hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and will have majored or minored in history. Applicants without significant undergraduate course work in history will still be considered, but they must provide clear and convincing evidence that they are prepared for graduate study in history. The History Department requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 for admission to any graduate program; we expect that an applicant’s GPA in history courses will be significantly higher. The History Department requires GRE scores and three letters of recommendation. In addition, an applicant must submit a writing sample that demonstrates the ability to engage in advanced historical research and to express ideas clearly and persuasively. A research essay from an undergraduate course would be an appropriate writing sample. Also required is a statement of purpose (approximately 500 words), which explains your reasons for seeking admission to our M.A. program and what you hope to study.

Please click here for further information about Ohio University’s graduate admission requirements.

All graduate applications must now be submitted electronically. Click here to apply to the M.A. program in history.


When to Apply

The deadline for applications for the Fall Quarter is the preceding February 1. Applicants for Fall Quarter have priority for financial aid (teaching assistantships and fellowships). Applicants for Winter and Spring quarters should apply at least six weeks before the beginning of those quarters.

The History Department’s Graduate Committee will make decisions on admission in early March. Applicants will be notified of those decisions shortly afterward.

Roster of Current Students

Click here for a roster of current students.


Program Requirements

Thesis Option

The thesis option requires the completion of eight graduate-level courses, a two-quarter research seminar, and a thesis. A student must choose a major (four courses) and a minor (two courses) from the following fields:

  • United States
  • Modern Europe
  • Early Modern Europe
  • Ancient and Medieval
  • Eastern Europe
  • Middle East
  • Latin America
  • Africa
  • Southeast Asia
  • East Asia

Nonthesis Option

The nonthesis option requires the completion of ten graduate-level courses and a two-quarter research seminar. At the end of the program the student must take written, comprehensive examinations in two major fields, based on the student’s course work in those fields.


Language Requirement

There is no language requirement under either option. However, a thesis supervisor may require a student to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English if necessary for the completion of his/her degree program.


For More Information

Go to the Graduate Student Handbook for more information about program requirements.