Masters Program | Department of History

Masters Program

A QUICK LOOK AT THE MA

There are two tracks with two options for students seeking a Master's Degree in History, the Master of Arts track or Master of Science track with either the thesis option and the non-thesis option. For application information see How to Apply. For a detailed description of both tracks, from application to planning your graduate, see Recommended Time to Degree.

Thesis Option - 33 Hours

Students must complete thirty-three (33) credit hours, which includes a minimum of two (2) graduate-level history seminar courses (6 credit hours), six (6) hours of thesis, and three (3) hours of historical bibliography. The student may substitute 6 hours in a related field approved by the chair of his or her committee for 6 hours of graduate course work in history. A thesis is required as a major exercise in research, interpretation, and writing on a significant historical topic approved by the student's advisory committee. A candidate for this degree must successfully complete an oral examination on their course work and thesis.

Non-Thesis Option - 33 Hours

Students must complete thirty-three (33) credit hours, which includes a minimum of two (2) graduate-level history seminar courses (6 credit hours) and three (3) hours of historical bibliography. A candidate for this degree must successfully complete an comprehensive examination on their course work.

THECB Marketable Skills: MA/MS in History

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state's 60 x 30 TX plan. 60 x 30 TX was launched in 2015 with a clear and bold vision: to be among the highest-achieving states in the country. 60 x 30 TX is a roadmap to help Texas reach that future through higher education.

Marketable skills for this degree include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas, that are valued by employers, and are primary or complementary to the major. The marketable skills goal was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers. UNT's marketable skills were faculty-developed and approved by employers or discipline-specific agencies, e.g., internship providers, chambers of commerce, workforce development boards, and other workforce-related entities. For information on these marketable skills - https://vpaa.unt.edu/thecb/class.

The marketable skills for the M.A./M.S. in History are:

  1. Mastery of historical research theory/research
  2. Advanced oral and written communication
  3. Qualitative data synthesis/analysis
  4. Critical examination of sources and narratives
  5. Design/deliver multi-audience trainings/presentations