Master of Arts in History

Graduate Program in History

General Regulations for MA in History

The Department of History requires 18 hours of undergraduate history courses as minimum preparation for admission. The rules under which the student enters remain those governing the program for the duration of the student's continued enrollment. In accordance with university graduate regulations, students are responsible for meeting all deadlines and for fulfilling all requirements for the degree.

Requirements

Master’s Program

Candidates for the Master of Arts degree in History are required to complete a minimum of 31 hours of graduate (5000) level credit. Students must complete 27 hours of coursework, with at least 24 hours in history. This will include:

History 5880, History Theory.
12 hours of history course work in 5000-level, non-dual-listed courses (excluding HIST 5880).
4 hours of thesis research (HIST 5960).
Students must demonstrate a reading knowledge of a foreign language appropriate to their research. In special cases, other relevant historical tools may substitute for the language requirement upon approval of the thesis adviser and the Graduate Coordinator. Generally, either of the following options may meet the language requirement:
1. Passing a language exam administered by the Department of History.
2. Completing the equivalent of the fourth semester of a language as offered at the University of Wyoming. All courses must be passed with a grade of C or better (may be taken pass/fail).
In the spring semester of the first year, typically in early February, as scheduled by the Department Chair, the student will publicly defend his/her thesis proposal, which must include a written research prospectus and bibliography.
The student will successfully defend the final thesis draft before the Graduate Committee.

Program Specific Graduate Assistantships

Graduate students at the University of Wyoming have access to full funding opportunities through Graduate Assistantships, research grants, and other sources. More information about this can be found in the "History Graduate Awards" section on the History Funding Opportunities page.

When applicants submit their materials to the Department of History, they should indicate their wish to be considered for a Graduate Assistantship. Anyone receiving financial support must be registered as a full-time (9 hours per semester) student and must be making acceptable progress towards degree completion. Renewal of Graduate Assistantships is contingent on such progress. Support is not given for more than two academic years

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduate Degrees (M.A. and M.A.T.)

The History Department offers two distinct graduate programs. Any field of study offered by the Department can be accommodated within either degree program.
The M.A. degree is designed to prepare the student for employment opportunities and PhD-level work. This degree program is also suitable for students interested in careers as community college instructors as well as for lifelong learners who seek formal advanced education.

Students who graduate with an M.A. in History will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the theories and methodologies of the discipline of History.
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the historiography of their field of specialization.
3. Demonstrate some understanding of comparative and/or thematic methods, approaches, and theories.
4. Conduct original research based on primary sources and construct an argument based on that research.
5. Write graduate-level expository prose and orally present their ideas at an advanced level.

The M.A.T. degree is designed to enhance the teaching of history and related disciplines by secondary and middle school teachers. This is a non-thesis degree, designed to provide breadth of preparation rather than specialization. Applicants are expected to have already completed their certification and pedagogy courses.

Students who graduate with an M.A.T. in History will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the significance of historical topics with reference to broader historical context, historiographic trends, or contemporary relevance.
2. Construct original historical arguments using a blend of primary and secondary source material.
3. Demonstrate a superior quality of writing both in terms of mechanics and in developing an argument effectively.
4. Convey a broad understanding of historical material suitable for teaching.