History

Major features of the program include: a schedule that offers all required courses in the evening to accommodate working students; an opportunity for both full- and part-time study; a diverse student body of practicing teachers, career changers, PhD aspirants, public historians and others; and small seminars and closely supervised individual research projects. The 33-credit degree program begins with an introductory course presenting the major approaches to historical inquiry practiced in the twentieth century. Students then pursue a major field (in American, world or American/world history) and a minor field (in areas such as world or American history, public history, or an interdisciplinary area). The degree program concludes with a capstone experience: either an historical integration course that involves a comprehensive essay and oral examination, or, for students more heavily focused towards research, a master’s thesis. Unique student interests can often be incorporated in the degree program through learning opportunities such as: a college teaching practicum that involves assisting a faculty member in teaching an introductory undergraduate course; internships in an area institution; and overseas study for a portion of the student’s program.