Master of Arts in History

The MA degree in history provides a broad base for teaching excellence, a platform for studies leading to the Ph.D., and skills for professions in both the public and private sectors. Students in the Master of Arts (MA) program concentrate in United States, European, or World/Comparative history and may take up to six semester hours in a discipline related to their major field of study (with permission of the graduate coordinator). The MA in history may be earned by completing either a thesis or non-thesis program. The non-thesis option is designed for students who desire more content courses as background for their own teaching, further academic work, or personal enrichment. The thesis option is designed for students who wish to conduct original research on the Master's level. MA graduates from the West Chester program have gone on to a variety of Ph.D. programs in the United States and abroad.

Degree Requirements: (33 semester hours)

Non-thesis Option

Methods and Materials of Research in History: 3 semester hours
Major Field (including a seminar): 15 semester hours
Minor Field: 9 semester hours
Third Field: 6 semester hours
Related Field Option: (3-6 semester hours - to be counted where appropriate above)

Thesis Option

HIS 500 Methods and Materials of Research in History - 3 semester hours
Major Field (including a seminar): 15 semester hours
Minor Field: 9 semester hours
Third Field: 3 semester hours
Related Field Option: (3-6 semester hours - to be counted where appropriate above)
HIS 691 Thesis - 6 semester hours (completed over two consecutive semesters)
The departmental graduate student handbook may provide additional insight to our program.