Master’s in History

At Georgia Southern University, the Master of Arts in History degree program is tailored for you, whether you’re aiming for doctoral studies, seeking professional development, or aspiring to become a public historian, archivist or librarian. 

With one of the largest history faculties in the University System of Georgia, you’ll have access to a broad range of courses, from gender studies to military history. You can choose between a thesis or non-thesis track, depending on your career goals. The program emphasizes a deep understanding of the past in all its complexity and the interconnectedness of knowledge. It aims to spark your curiosity and hone your critical thinking, communication and analytical skills, preparing you for a variety of career paths.

Concentration in Public History

While earning your MA in History, you’ll be able to complete the general MA track (thesis or non-thesis option) or pursue a concentration in Public History. The concentration offers a comprehensive and engaging curriculum:

• Core Courses: Includes ‘Historian’s Craft,’ ‘Graduate Seminar in Public History’ and a ‘Research Prospectus.’
• Practical Experience: Gain hands-on experience with a ‘Professional Internship in Public History.’
• Project Work: Undertake a ‘Non-Thesis Project in Public History’ with an oral defense.
• Electives: Choose four public history elective courses at the 5000 level or above.

Credit Hours: The total program is 33 credit hours.

Public History Graduate Certificate

The Public History Graduate Certificate at Georgia Southern University offers focused training in public history:

• Core Courses: Engage in foundational courses like ‘Introduction to Public History’ and ‘Museum Studies.’
• Electives: Choose from a variety of electives to broaden your understanding.
• Capstone Project: Conclude with a professional internship or a non-thesis project.
• Flexible Schedule: Ideal for working professionals or students seeking specialized knowledge.

This certificate provides practical skills for careers in museums, archives, and cultural heritage sites.

Master’s and Certificate Pathway

Combining the Public History Graduate Certificate with the Master’s program at Georgia Southern University offers an integrated educational experience:

• First Year: Focus on core history courses, including ‘The Historian’s Craft,’ and begin public history electives.
• Summer Term: Take the opportunity to complete an internship or additional electives.
• Second Year: Continue with advanced public history courses and electives.
• Final Semester: Complete a non-thesis project in public history as a capstone to your studies.

This approach maximizes your learning and professional development in the field of public history.

Admission Requirements

If you’re interested in the Master’s program in History at Georgia Southern University, these are the key admission requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A completed Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.
• GPA Requirements: A minimum of 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate work, with a 3.0 in history and no grade below a “C.”
• History Background: An undergraduate major or equivalent in history. If your major is in another field, you need at least 15 credits in history and 30 credits in social sciences and humanities.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two recommendation letters from professors or instructors familiar with your academic abilities.
• Statement of Purpose: A 500-750 word narrative explaining how the program aligns with your career goals.
• Writing Sample: A scholarly writing sample of at least 1250 words with citations.

Career Opportunities

With a Master’s in History or a Public History Certificate from Georgia Southern University, your options for careers are as vast as history itself! Here’s a glimpse of the engaging career paths you could follow:

• Legal and Government Fields: Imagine yourself as an administrative law judge, an arbitrator or even working with immigration & naturalization services.
• Cultural and Heritage Sectors: How about being an archivist, curator or museum specialist? Your love for history could preserve important stories for generations.
• Education and Research: Picture yourself shaping minds as a college professor or delving into deep research as a historian.
• Business and Finance: Merge history with the corporate world in roles like business analyst or finance specialist.

These are just a few of the many doors your degree can open. So, think big and let your passion for history guide your career!

Contact Us!

For more information about the Graduate Program and Graduate Assistantships, contact:

Student Resources

Program of Study

Combined M.A. and Certificate in Public History Program of Study

The department offers thesis and non-thesis options and a concentration in public history.

The degree candidate for a Master of Arts in History will take  27 credits of course work (out of a total of 33), which includes the following:

Thesis Option	Credit Hours
Required Courses	21
HIST 7630 Historian’s Craft	3
(3)        7000 level HIST Graduate Reading Seminars*	9
HIST 7638 Research Prospectus	3
(2)        HIST 7999 Thesis	6
Electives	12
4 history elective courses	12 (at the 5000 level or above)
Total	33

*One seminar must be outside the candidate’s field of concentration. A seminar in Public History meets this requirement.

Non-Thesis Option	Credit Hours
Required Courses	21
HIST 7630 Historian’s Craft	3
(4)      7000 level HIST Graduate Reading Seminars*	12
HIST 7638 Research Prospectus	3
HIST 7990 Non-Thesis Project in History**	3
Electives	12
4 history elective courses	12 (at the 5000 level or above)
Total	33

*At least one seminar must be outside the candidate’s field of concentration. A seminar in Public History  meets this requirement.

** As part of this course the candidate will produce an article-length paper (approximately 10,000 words) that is defended orally before a committee.

Students pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Public History simultaneously with the Non-Thesis Option substitute HIST 7900 Non-Thesis Project in Public History.

Concentration in Public History	Credit Hours
Required Courses	21
HIST 7630 Historian’s Craft	3
HIST 7651 Graduate Seminar in Public History	3
HIST 7638 Research Prospectus*	3
HIST 7781 Professional Internship in Public History**	3
HIST 7900 Non-Thesis Project in Public History***	3
(2)     7000 level Graduate Reading Seminars****	6
Electives	12
4 public history elective courses (at the 5000 level or above)	12
Total	33

*Students who enter the MA program with a concentration in Public History after having completed the Graduate Certificate in Public History will substitute an additional Reading Seminar for Research Prospectus.

**Internships are 150 hours.

***This course concludes with a 6,000 – 10,000 word technical report on the final project that is defended orally before a committee. With the permission of the Director of Graduate Studies this course may be completed simultaneously with the Professional Internship in History.

****One seminar must be outside the candidate’s field of concentration.

Other Program Requirements

• The student must also pass a reading-knowledge examination in an appropriate foreign language. (Prior completion of coursework in a foreign language through the fourth semester at the intermediate level with a grade of C or better shall exempt students from the foreign language exam.)
• The student must also pass an oral defense of either the thesis, the non-thesis project, or the non-thesis project in public history.
• Two elective course may be taken outside the Department of History.

General Requirements

• The College of Graduate Studies limits independent study to 6 credits.

Advisement

College of Arts and Humanities

Department of History Director of Graduate Studies Georgia Southern University P.O. Box 8054

Statesboro, GA 30460 phone 912-478-4478 fax 912-478-0377

website: https://www.georgiasouthern.edu/cah/history/

Two Year Plan

Possible Two-Year Degree Plan for M.A.

This plan should serve as a suggestion only. Please see the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies for complete details. Please be aware that available History courses are scheduled in advance and are subject to change. Every effort will be made to accommodate the needs of our History graduate students.

SUGGESTED CALENDAR FOR HISTORY M.A.

This plan should serve as a suggestion only.  Please be aware that available History courses are scheduled in advance and are subject to change. Every effort will be made to accommodate the needs of our History graduate students.

FIRST SEMESTER (FALL)
• HIST 7630 The Historian’s Craft
• HIST 7631, 7633, or 7635 History Reading Seminar (in-field or out-of-field, as needed**)
• HIST Elective at the 5000 level or above*

SECOND SEMESTER (SPRING)
• HIST 7631, 7633, or 7635 History Reading Seminar (in-field or out-of-field, as needed**)
• HIST Elective at the 5000 level or above*
• HIST 7838 Research Prospectus
>Submit Masters Program of Study Form to College of Graduate Studies (COGS)

OPTION (SUMMER)
• HIST Elective* and/or satisfy Foreign Language Requirement

THIRD SEMESTER (FALL)
• HIST Elective at the 5000 level or above*
• HIST 7631, 7633, or 7635 History Reading Seminar (in-field or out-of-field, as needed**)
• HIST 7999 Thesis (Thesis Option) or HIST 7631, 7633, or 7635 History Reading Seminar (Non-Thesis Option)
>Submit Masters Program of Study Form to COGS (if not done so)
>Submit Thesis Committee Membership Approval Form to COGS (Thesis Option)
>Satisfy Foreign Language Requirement
>Apply for Graduation in Spring

FOURTH SEMESTER (SPRING)
• HIST Elective (if still needed)*
• HIST Elective (if still needed)*
• HIST 7999 Thesis (Thesis Option) or HIST 7990 Non-Thesis Project (Non-Thesis Option)***
>Satisfy Foreign Language Requirement (if still needed)
>Submit Portfolio Completion Report Form to COGS
>Thesis Defense (Thesis Option) or Non-Thesis Project Defense (Non-Thesis Option) by stated COGS deadline
>Submit Electronic Thesis per COGS guidelines to COGS by stated deadlines (Thesis Option)

OPTION (SUMMER)
• Continue HIST 7999 Thesis or HIST 7990 Non-Thesis Project, if needed
>Thesis Defense (Thesis Option) or Non-Thesis Project Defense (Non-Thesis Option)
>Submit Electronic Thesis per COGS guidelines to COGS by stated deadlines (Thesis Option)

*Two elective courses may be taken outside the Department of History. For candidates pursuing the Thesis Option, HIST 7631, 7633, or 7635 Readings Seminar may be taken as an elective after completing the required three seminars. A seminar in Public History also meets this option. A maximum of two HIST 7831 Independent Study in History courses (requires permission of instructor) may be taken as electives.

**One seminar must be outside the candidate’s field of concentration. A seminar in Public History meets this requirement.

***Candidates pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Public History simultaneously with the Non-Thesis Option substitute HIST 7900 Non-Thesis Project in Public History.

Additional Graduate Student Resources

Related Programs

Last updated: 2/8/2024