Admission Requirements
Masters of Arts in History
The Master of Arts in History degree program at Georgia Southern University is designed to serve the diverse needs of graduate students, whether they seek a solid grounding in graduate study as preparation for entry into doctoral programs, wish to earn a degree as part of their professional development, or are interested in pursuing careers as public historians, archivists, or librarians. With the second largest history faculty in the University System of Georgia, Georgia Southern University offers students a wide array of course offerings in areas ranging from gender studies to military history. Students may choose the thesis or non-thesis option, depending upon their future plans. By emphasizing an appreciation of the past in all of its complexities and interconnectedness of knowledge, the Georgia Southern University graduate program in History seeks to instill in students a sense of curiosity and to develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills – skills relevant to a variety of careers.
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Degree Requirements: 33 Credit Hours
Application Deadlines
February 1, for Fall enrollment applications. Although later applications will be considered, applicants meeting this deadline will be given priority consideration for available graduate assistantships.
Admission Requirements
Regular
Applicants seeking admission to the graduate program in history must have:
- Completed requirements for the Bachelor’s degree in a college accredited by the proper regional accrediting associations.
- A 3.0 (4.0 scale) cumulative grade point average or higher on all undergraduate work, with a 3.0 cumulative GPA in history and no grade in history lower than a “C.”
- An undergraduate major or the equivalent in history. Students with majors in other fields of study are given equal consideration for admission providing they have at least 15 credits (or quarter-system equivalent) of history (at least 12 credits at the upper division level) and a total of 30 credits in the social sciences and humanities.
- Two letters of recommendation from professors or instructors who have had the opportunity to observe your scholarly skills in History or in related fields. Recommendation letters should testify to your intellectual maturity and your preparedness to undertake graduate study.
- Applicants to the MA program are required to write a statement of purpose. Your narrative should explain how your work in the History graduate program at Georgia Southern will help you achieve your life/career goals. Assessment of your statement will include clarity of narrative and quality of writing. Avoid clichés and personal details not directly relevant to an assessment of your potential to excel during your graduate degree. Statements should be 500-750 words in length, single-spaced with a 12-point font.
- Submit a sample of your writing that represents your best work. Your submission should be scholarly in purpose, at least 1250 words, and include citations. Book reviews will not be considered. Your sample will be evaluated on its analytic power, creativity, and clarity of expression. Students returning to school after a prolonged break are asked to please contact the graduate director for guidance.
Provisional
Non-traditional students and applicants not meeting the above requirements may be considered for Provisional (Probationary) admission as determined on a case-by-case basis.
Exclusion Policy
A graduate student enrolled in the History MA Program or Public History Certificate Program will be excluded from continuing in the program for receiving a grade of “F” in any course, or for failure to meet the terms of academic probation.
Other Program Requirements
- All candidates for the thesis track MA in History must demonstrate competency in one language in addition to English. This requirement may be met by prior or concurrent completion of coursework in a world language through the fourth semester at the intermediate level with a grade of C or better or by passing a language examination approved by the department. Non-Thesis Track students are exempt.
- The student must also pass an oral defense of the non-thesis project in public history.
- Two elective courses may be taken outside the Department of History.
- The College of Graduate Studies limits independent study to 6 credit hours.
Advisement
Graduate students are advised by their program. Graduate students should reach out to their graduate program director for information regarding the structures in place to facilitate advisement. For more information visit Graduate Academic Advisement.
Graduate students can also contact the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies for more information about their program director.
Phone: 912-478-COGS (2647)
Email: gradschool@georgiasouthern.edu |
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For more information about the Graduate Program and Graduate Assistantships, contact:
Dr. Alan Downs
Director, Graduate Studies
Department of History
P.O. Box 8054
Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460-8054
Phone: 912-478-0242
(acdowns@georgiasouthern.edu) |
Dr. Michael Van Wagenen
Public History Coordinator
Department of History
P.O. Box 8054
Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460-8054
Phone: 912-478-5862
(mvanwagenen@georgiasouthern.edu) |
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Last updated: 9/6/2023
