MTSU’s MA in History is a great choice for students planning to pursue Ph.Ds, secondary
teachers, professionals seeking a graduate degree, and lifelong learners.
Our graduates go on to do great things! Recent graduates have gone on to doctoral
programs at Columbia, Vanderbilt, and the University of Alabama, among others. Others
are successful secondary teachers, community college faculty, and professionals working
in diverse fields.
The MTSU History MA program enables students to work closely with faculty mentors
and offers excellent training in historical research and writing. Our students can
tailor their programs to suit their specific interests in many fields of history.
Our departmental strengths in Environmental History, African American History, Russian
and Soviet History, History of Science and Medicine, Women’s and Gender History, and
Warfare and Diplomacy offer a wide range of geographical and thematic options.
Nationally recognized faculty, close mentorship, afternoon and evening class schedules,
and affordable tuition make our program a fantastic choice for full-time students
and working professionals alike.
History MA Program Highlights
- One-on-one mentoring from nationally recognized faculty
- Individualized program plans that balance disciplinary training with personal interests
and degree goals
- Afternoon and evening classes accommodate work and family life
- Affordable tuition and access to the regional Academic Common Market for many out-of-state
students
- Graduate Assistantships and scholarships offered on a competitive basis
- Opportunities to participate in the Association for Graduate Students in History,
which organizes professional development activities and social events
- Research opportunities with our partner centers—the Albert Gore Research Center, Center
for Popular Music, and Center for Historic Preservation
MTSU grad named Mellon Fellow for doctoral research
Jay Carroll, who earned an M.A. in History at MTSU, was awarded an Andrew Mellon Fellowship
in Gender and Sexuality Studies to pursue his doctoral degree at Northwestern University.
He chose MTSU to add a master's in American history to his previous M.A. in European
cultural history, helping him prepare for doctoral work in transnational/comparative
history. "The program is well-known for its Public History graduate degrees and rightly
so, but the smaller history graduate program is equally thorough in its preparation
of students for qualifying exams, producing a master's thesis, and repeatedly supporting
its students through job-market or Ph.D. program searches," Carroll said. Carroll’s
thesis explored Russian ballet's impact upon Western masculinity and culture at the
fin-de-siècle.
Thesis subjects cover topics from Vietnam to Virginia
MTSU master’s candidates in history delve into an impressive array of topics during
their thesis research. Recent M.A. thesis subjects have ranged from Williamsburg to
Mexico and Vietnam to France. Brad H. Wright wrote about resistance movements in Guadalajara,
Mexico, between 1968 and 1994. American history students have written about topics
near and far. Alisha Linam studied the Tennessee Mormon Massacre of 1884 in Lewis
County, Tennessee. Evan Buchanan wrote about psychological combat trauma among American
veterans of the war in Vietnam. European topics have included Savannah Teague's thesis
titled “Conspicuous Consumption Amongst the Aristocracy in 18th Century France” and
Bethany Stoller's evaluation of the scholarly impact of Yale historian John Boswell,
a pioneer in the field of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history.
Related Media
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MTSU College of Graduate Studies
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MTSU | The University of Opportunities
Graduates with master's degrees in history have the training to work not only as a
historian, but also in a variety of other fields. In addition to writing, teaching,
or preserving history, historians may find occupational opportunities in corporate,
government, or non-profit settings. Professional possibilities, with some requiring
additional studies, include
- Archaeologist
- Archivist/librarian
- Attorney
- Collections manager
- College professor/instructor
- Documentary editor
- Foreign service officer
- Genealogy consultant
- Government worker
- Historian
- Historic consultant
- Historic site administrator/tour guide
- Intelligence officer
- Journalist
- Legal researcher
- Legislative staffer
- Market analyst
- Middle or high school teacher
- Museum curator
- Paralegal
- Park ranger
- Preservationist
- Public relations/communications director
- Researcher
- Scholarly publishing
- Technical writer
For more information on careers for M.A. in History graduates, please see the Organization
of American Historian's publication, "Careers for Students of History."
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- The Dunham School (Baton Rouge, La.)
- Graceland University
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Nashville State Community College
- New Mexico Military Institute
- Pinnacle Financial Partners
- S.O.C.M. (Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment)
- Tennessee National Guard
M.A. History graduates have been admitted to Ph.D. programs at many fine universities
such as
- Kent State University
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Northwestern University
- Notre Dame
- Texas A&M University
- UNC-Greensboro
- University of Buffalo
- University of Kentucky
- University of North Carolina
- University of Tennessee
The History Department offers a traditional Master of Arts (M.A.) in History and the Master of Arts (M.A.) in History with a concentration in Public History.
Admission to the Master of Arts in History program requires
- an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college;
- an acceptable grade point average in all college work taken;
- completion of at least 18 semester hours of undergraduate history courses;
- completion of the Graduate Record Exam with acceptable scores.
Modifications to the above requirements may be made with the permission of the department’s
director of graduate studies and the department’s graduate committee.
Students in the Master of Arts in History program may choose a major field in United
States or European History, but graduate classes in global history can fulfill requirements
for the minor field. (Those students who pursue the History M.A. with a concentration in Public History may specialize in one of five areas: historic preservation and cultural resource
management, museum management, archival management, oral history, and public archeology.)
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right.
Other programs
MTSU also offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) in Public History. The Ph.D. program, which began in 2005, is the first to declare public history as
the major field of study. The innovative, practice-based, individualized program of
study is offered in partnership with the Center for Historic Preservation, the Albert Gore Research Center, and the Center for Popular Music.
A 12-credit hour Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Museum Management is available
to students currently pursuing an M.A. in Public History at MTSU, to MTSU alumni who
hold an M.A. in Public History, and to applicants who hold an equivalent M.A. from
another university.
A graduate history minor is also available.
Undergraduate
The undergraduate degree in history comes in four forms: the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History, the B.A. in History
with Teacher Licensure, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in History, and the B.S. in History with Teacher
Licensure.
An undergraduate minor in history is also offered. The department additionally coordinates
interdisciplinary minors in African American Studies; Media, History, and Culture;
Environment and Human Society; Medieval Studies; Southern Studies; Twentieth-Century
European Studies; American Culture; and War, Policy, and Security.
History, M.A.
Ashley Riley Sousa, Graduate Studies Director
(615) 898-5805
Ashley.RileySousa@mtsu.edu
The History Department offers the Master of Arts in History, Master of Arts in History with concentrations in History Education and Public History, and a Ph.D. in Public History.
For the most current information about the program, department policies, and admission standards, please visit the department website at www.mtsu.edu/history.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Arts in History program requires
- an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college;
- an acceptable grade point average in all college work;
- completion of at least 18 semester hours of undergraduate history courses.
Modifications to the above requirements may be made with the permission of the department's director of graduate studies and the department's graduate admissions committee.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Application deadline for the M.A. program is March 1 for fall admission and October 1 for spring admission.
Applicant must
- submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php.) Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
- submit letter of intent, explaining why applicant wishes to pursue graduate education in History and why applicant wishes to pursue those studies at MTSU;
- submit writing sample (preferably a lengthy research paper that demonstrates writing and research skills);
- submit three letters of recommendation from professors or professionals that address the applicant's potential to successfully complete an M.A. program in History.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Arts in History requires completion of 30-45 semester hours (thesis) or 33 semester hours (non-thesis).
Thesis Option (30-45 hours)
Once admitted to the program, candidate must
- complete a minimum of 30 hours of graduate history courses, all at the 6000 level (see Curriculum section below for specifics);
- maintain satisfactory progress toward completion of the degree each semester;
- fulfill a research skill-set requirement by choosing one of the following options:
- demonstrate reading proficiency in a foreign language for research purposes by passing the specific proficiency examination administered by World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures;
- complete one of the following professional development courses: HIST 6190 State and Local History, HIST 6225 Oral History Theory and Methodology, HIST 6530 Administration of Historical Organizations, HIST 6550 American Material Culture, HIST 6551 American Architectural History, and HIST 6555 Archeology and Public History. Courses outside the History Department may also be considered, with the written approval of the graduate director.
- submit and successfully defend an acceptable thesis.
Non-thesis Option (33 hours)
Once admitted to the program, candidate must
- complete 33 hours of graduate history courses, all at the 6000 level (see Curriculum section below for specifics);
- pass comprehensive examinations;
- maintain satisfactory progress toward completion of the degree each semester;
- fulfill a skill set requirement by choosing one of the following options:
- demonstrate reading proficiency in a foreign language for research purposes by passing the specific proficiency examination administered by World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures;
- complete one of the following professional development courses: HIST 6190 State and Local History, HIST 6225 Oral History Theory and Methodology, HIST 6530 Administration of Historical Organizations, HIST 6550 American Material Culture, HIST 6551 American Architectural History, and HIST 6555 Archeology and Public History. Courses outside the History Department may also be considered, with the written approval of the graduate director.
Curriculum: History
Thesis Option (30-45 hours)
The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements (all at the 6000 level). In addition, a maximum of 18 hours of thesis research may be required to fulfill degree requirements.
Required Core Courses (6 hours)
HIST 6010 - Historiography
3credit hours
An introduction to history's major schools of thought. Through reading, class discussion, and essays, students explore critical interpretations in American, European, and non-Western history.
HIST 6020 - Historical Research Methods
3credit hours
Introduces historical research using primary sources. Students produce a work (or works) of original historical scholarship and engage with existing scholarship in the field.
Thesis Option Electives (21 hours)
Choose 21 hours from Thesis Field or History electives
Thesis Field (12 hours)
- Minimum 12 hours of either American or European History
History electives (6 hours)
- Minimum 6 hours outside the thesis field
Thesis Option Elective (3 hours)
- 3 hours of Thesis Option Electives to be chosen in consultation with an advisor
Thesis Research (3-18 hours)
HIST 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 6 credit hours
(3 credit hours required)( 3 credit hours required)
dotslash:( 3 credit hours required)
title:(3 credit hours required)
( 3 credit hours required)
HIST 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 6credit hours
Selection of a research problem, review of pertinent literature, collection and analysis of data, and composition of thesis. Once enrolled, student should register for at least one credit hour of master's research each semester until completion. S/U grading.
Note:
No more than three hours of HIST 6910/HIST 6920/HIST 6930 may be counted toward degree requirements.
Non-thesis Option (33 hours)
The following illustrates the coursework requirements (all at the 6000 level) for the non-thesis option.
Required Core (6 hours)
HIST 6010 - Historiography
3credit hours
An introduction to history's major schools of thought. Through reading, class discussion, and essays, students explore critical interpretations in American, European, and non-Western history.
HIST 6020 - Historical Research Methods
3credit hours
Introduces historical research using primary sources. Students produce a work (or works) of original historical scholarship and engage with existing scholarship in the field.
Major Field (15 hours)
- 15 hours of either American or European History including at least three hours of graduate research seminar in field
History electives (9 hours)
- 9 hours of elective History courses
Additional Graduate Research Seminar (3 hours)
- 3 hours of graduate research seminar in any field
Note:
No more than three hours of HIST 6910/HIST 6920/HIST 6930 may be counted toward degree requirements.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
Resources
On-campus partners
Organizations
Graduate Assistantships
To help support students pursuing graduate study, the Department of History offers
a number of graduate assistantships at both the M.A. and the Ph.D. levels. These assistantships
are awarded on a competitive basis and are renewable for up to two years for M.A.
assistantships and up to three years for Ph.D. assistantships. Graduate assistants
receive a tuition waiver plus a stipend to cover living expenses. In return, graduate
assistants work a maximum of 20 hours a week during the semester on an assignment
determined by the History Department. These assignments include work as teaching assistants,
research assistants, and other duties related to the ongoing work of the Department
and its on-campus partners. To apply for a graduate assistantship with the History
Department, complete the College of Graduate Studies' Graduate Assistantship Application and submit it to the Department of History along with the rest of your application.
Many M.A. and Ph.D. students in the History Department also work as research fellows,
graduate assistants, and hourly employees for MTSU's Center for Historic Preservation. The Center has a separate application and review process for these positions. You
can read full descriptions of these opportunities on the Center's Academic Opportunities page and download the Center's Application for Student Academic Support. The department
urges students applying for a graduate assistantship with the History Department to
apply to the Center as well.
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
