History, M.A.

For information regarding deadlines and requirements for admission, please see https://grs.uncg.edu/programs/.

In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, applicants must submit:

  • Personal statement
  • Resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • 15-page writing sample

Qualified applicants must present an approved undergraduate background (though not necessarily a major) in History. At least 9 credit hours of advanced undergraduate history is required.

The submission of GRE scores is optional.

Degree Program Requirements

Required: 30 credit hours

Required Courses (12 credits)
HIS 510Historiography3
HIS 709Introductory Research Seminar 3
HIS 703
HIS 704
M.A. Research Project I
and M.A. Research Project II
6
or HIS 699 Thesis
Colloquia (9 credits)
Select three courses (9 credits) from the following colloquia:9
Colloquium in American History before 1865
Colloquium in American History after 1865
Colloquium in European History before 1789
Colloquium in European History since 1789
Colloquium in the Atlantic World
Graduate Colloquium in World History
Electives (9 credits)
Select three courses (9 credits) from remaining graduate-level HIS courses *9
Total Credit Hours30
*

Including additional colloquia. Chosen in consultation with their faculty committee members and the Graduate Program Director. One elective course (3 credits) may be taken at the graduate level in a related department or program, with the approval of the Graduate Program Director.

Language Requirement

Many areas of historical research require proficiency in a foreign language. Students who intend to concentrate in such areas are encouraged to pass the written language examination, administered by the department. In lieu of the language examination, students may substitute an extra 3-credit course. Students who intend to pursue a Ph.D., especially in areas other than U.S. history, are strongly encouraged to pass the language examination. Students may retake a failed language exam.

Comprehensive Examination

Students will develop three fields of study based upon the specializations of their three-member faculty committee. If a student selects a faculty member whose specialization is in U.S. history as main advisor, then at least one of the committee members must be a specialist in a non-U.S. field. If a student selects a faculty member whose specialization is in European history as main advisor, then at least one of the committee members must be a specialist in a non-European field. Similarly, if a student selects a faculty member whose specialization is outside United States or European history, at least one of the committee members must come from either U.S. or European history. Some faculty members may require that students have completed at least one course with them before agreeing to serve on a committee; students should consult with prospective committee members early in their graduate career. A faculty member from another UNC Greensboro department or program who has graduate faculty status can serve on a M.A. committee and create a field of study.

All students must pass a written comprehensive examination in each of their three fields of study. The exams are usually administered twice a year, during Fall and Spring. Students may retake a failed comprehensive exam once.

Research Seminars Capstone Experience

Students may take HIS 703 M.A. Research Project I/HIS 704 M.A. Research Project II or have the option of completing a 6-credit thesis (HIS 699 Thesis), with the approval of the main faculty advisor and the Graduate Program Director. Students will present the findings of their research at a History Department Graduate Conference.

Museum Studies Concentration

Required: 33 credit hours

Required Core Courses (27 credits)
HIS/IAR 626The Practice of Public History3
HIS/IAR 627Museum and Historic Site Interpretation: Principles and Practice3
HIS 631Digital History3
HIS/IAR 690Internship 3
HIS 701Colloquium in American History before 18653
or HIS 702 Colloquium in American History after 1865
HIS 709Introductory Research Seminar 3
HIS 720Public History Capstone I3
HIS 721Public History Capstone II 3
Select one course (3 credits) from 500-700 level HIS courses3
Electives (6 credits)
Select two courses (6 credits) of electives in public history from graduate-level HIS courses6
Total Credit Hours33

Electives

By approval of the Director of Public History, students will complete one course (3 credits) between the 500-700 level of traditional history electives and two courses (6 credits) of additional public history courses. One of the additional public history elective courses (3 credits) may be taken at the graduate level in a related department or program.

Public History Capstone (Capstone Experience)

Students will complete public projects through HIS 720 Public History Capstone I and HIS 721 Public History Capstone II . They will present and reflect on the projects at the History Department's annual Graduate Conference.

Additional Public History Courses

HIS/IAR 543Historic Preservation: Principles and Practice3
HIS/IAR 547History Museum Curatorship: Collections Management3
HIS/IAR 548Architectural Conservation3
HIS/IAR 555Field Methods in Preservation Technology3
HIS/IAR 624History of American Landscapes and Architecture3
HIS/IAR 625Preservation Planning and Law3
HIS 629Museum Education3
HIS 631Digital History3
GES 602Sustainable Urban Planning in an Entrepreneurial Environment3
IAR 536History of Decorative Arts3
PSC 511PTopics in Public Affairs: Program Evaluation1
PSC 540Nonprofit Management and Leadership3
PSC 645Nonprofit Financial Management and Budgeting 3