The M.A. in History

Temple University offers a varied and flexible program for graduate training in History on the M.A. level. While general requirements ensure that every graduate is familiar with the basic issues of History and the latest approaches of professional historians, students are encouraged to tailor their programs to suit their own particular interests.

The Department offers no funding for master's level study.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 3 years

 

Admission Requirements and Deadlines (apply online)

Application Deadline: Fall (March 15) or Spring (October 15)

Letters of Reference: Two letters of recommendation should be obtained from instructors or other individuals who are familiar with the applicant's academic work.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: Applicants are expected to have majored or minored in History or a related discipline at the undergraduate level. Applicants lacking that qualification are considered on a case-by-case basis. All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of the appropriate baccalaureate degree at Temple University.

Statement of Goals: The Statement of Goals should be approximately 500-750 words in length, and should include the following elements: a clear statement of your interest in the master's program in History at Temple University and how the program meets your needs; your major historical interests; your career goals; and your academic and research achievements, if applicable.

Standardized Test Scores: The GRE is required. In general, the applicant's combined scores on the verbal and quantitative sections should exceed 1,050. Minimum TOEFL score needed to be accepted: 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, and 79 internet-based.

 

Program Requirements

M.A. students must select and advisor at the start of their coursework. Initially, the M.A. coordinator serves as the preliminary advisor for matriculating M.A. students. M.A. students must select a faculty advisor during their first year in the graduate program, ideally in their first semester. All graduate faculty in the department may serve as advisors. To select an advisor M.A. students must consult with the professor and secure his or her permission.

Once students have found an advisor they need to notify the M.A. coordinator of their choice. M.A. students will consult with the M.A. coordinator and their permanent advisor throughout their course of study to determine course selection and thesis or exam preparation.

Coursework

A normal course of study includes the following courses:

  • 1 Foundation seminar (in primary field 8101,8301,8501,or 8701)
  • 1 research seminar (9000 level)
  • 5 courses total in primary field
  • 3 courses total in secondary field (must be a geographic area different from the primary field)
  • 24 credits total coursework + 2 credits M.A. thesis (9996 for thesis option)
  • 30 credits total coursework (for exam option)
  • FINAL EXAM or THESIS

M.A. students will either complete a comprehensive examination or an M.A. thesis.

FINAL EXAM:

Students completing their degree requirements with a comprehensive exam must complete 30 hours of coursework before taking the exam. Students are eligible to take the exam in the semester in which their course requirements are completed. Prior to scheduling the exam students should meet with the M.A. coordinator to determine eligibility and fill out any required forms. The three-hour written exam tests the students’ mastery of scholarship in their primary and secondary fields. It is administered by the main advisor in consultation with a second examiner from the history department. If the two faculty members are not in agreement about the final grade, the Director of Graduate Studies will appoint a third faculty member to evaluate the exam and determine whether the student passes or fails.

THESIS:

Students who choose to write an M.A. thesis should meet with their primary advisor to discuss and decide upon the parameters of their chosen topic. Students should also meet with the M.A. coordinator to determine eligibility and fill out any required forms. Students who choose the thesis option will write a substantial research paper in their primary field, utilizing primary sources and demonstrating knowledge of historical research methods. Thesis students complete 24 credits of coursework before registering for two credits of thesis preparation (HIS 9996). The thesis must be read and approved by a second reader. The thesis must be prepared in accordance with the Dissertation Handbook available from the Graduate School. Students preparing to defend a thesis should notify the Graduate Secretary of the date and time of the oral defense after consultation with the committee. Students must defend orally their thesis in the presence of both primary advisor and second reader.

Students should be aware that no student may be classified as a full-time student for more than two semesters while completing an M.A. thesis.

OUTSIDE CREDITS:

An M.A. student may, with departmental approval, satisfy a maximum six credits of his/her coursework through transfer credit. All transfer credits must be of a grade "B" or better and be from an accredited institution. A maximum of nine credits earned at Temple University prior to matriculation may be counted toward satisfying the M.A. requirements. In order to receive course credit, a student needs to submit to the Director of Graduate Studies a transcript of the graduate course, the syllabus, and all written work.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

A student may request a leave of absence for a period not to exceed one year. A written request, indicating the reason for the leave of absence, must be approved first by the department on the basis of endorsement by the faculty advisor and the chair of the Graduate Council and then by the Associate Dean of the College who handles graduate matters. Please use the Request for Leave of Absence Form available from the history graduate secretary. Receipt of a leave of absence will not affect the maximum time allowed for completion of a degree program. Students should be aware that an administrative fee is assessed for each year a student is not enrolled in classes.

SATISFACTORY PROGRESS:

For M.A. students, satisfactory progress is defined according to the following criteria:

1. Continuous enrollment unless a leave of absence has been granted.

2. No more than three incompletes at any time. Course work must be finished within two semesters of receiving the incomplete grade.

3. At least six credits per year in courses approved by the advisor or the M.A. coordinator.

4. Satisfactory completion of the introductory seminar in the student’s primary field by the time s/he has been matriculated in the program for two semesters.

5. Selection of specific degree program and selection of advisor by the end of the second semester after matriculation.

GRADUATION:

All coursework and other requirements must be completed within three years from the date of admission. Students in the M.A. program must register each semester until all the requirements for the degree have been fulfilled unless a leave of absence has been granted. Students who find it necessary to request an extension of time must file a written request with the Department.

Before applying for graduation, M.A. students must schedule a meeting with the M.A. Coordinator to verify their completion of all department and university requirements. For May/August graduation, this meeting must take place prior to October 15 of the year before. For December graduation, the meeting must take place prior to April 15. This will allow students to register for courses to correct any problems while still graduating on time.