History (Master's) at Michigan State University

Programme overview

The MA in History at MSU is a general course of advanced study in history, offered under Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (certifying examination). Graduate admission in the department is primarily to the PhD, but the MA is considered for students preparing for careers in supporting disciplines or professions that do not require a PhD.

Faculty: College of Social Science | Department: Department of History | Duration: 30 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: East Lansing, MI, United States

What you will study

Students complete HST 803 Seminar in Methodology of Historical Research and at least 15 credits of 800-900 level history courses, including a historiography course, and demonstrate competency in a foreign language. Plan A requires 6 credits of HST 899 thesis research and a final oral examination; Plan B requires a three-part certifying examination covering a major and two minor areas.

Career pathways

Careers in supporting disciplines or professions that do not require a PhD.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Official transcript verifying a bachelor's degree; GRE General Test results; a writing sample; a 500-1000 word statement on the intended field of study and goals; two letters of recommendation. Applicants should consult the departmental Graduate Studies Director before applying. International applicants: TOEFL iBT 100 or above (paper 580; no subscore below 21 iBT/55 paper), or MELAB/MSU English Language Center Test average 85 with no subscore below 83.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applicants can start in fall (late August), spring (January) or summer (May) in the MPH programme; intake terms for other graduate programmes are set by each department or program.

The graduate application fee is $75 for domestic and international applicants, with one fee per application; applicants may submit up to two applications to different graduate majors per semester. Applications are reviewed by the department or program, which sets its own deadlines.

MPH application deadlines (SOPHAS completion): fall May 18, spring October 18, summer February 15; MSU supplemental application: fall June 1, spring November 1, summer March 1.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/graduate-students

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