Master of Arts

Program Description

The Master of Arts of Arts in History with a concentration in Race, Ethnicity, and Society provides a unique program that takes advantage of the study of race and ethnicity by scholars in the Department of History and Geography. The program offers the opportunity to study the historical construction of race and ethnicity from an international perspective that includes Latin America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. At the same time, the degree draws on strong regional resources unique to the Columbus area, exploring topics such as the Civil Rights Movement, slavery, Native American society, European migration, and issues of racial integration in the U.S. military.

The Master of Arts in History with a concentration in Race, Ethnicity and Society is delivered through content courses (5000 G level HIST courses) and graduate seminars (6000 level courses). In addition to general coursework, degree candidates will complete an advanced research project by producing and defending a thesis in their final year. Language proficiency, whether through traditional languages or GIS, is required. Degree candidates will need to take a reading proficiency exam in the foreign language and show English competency in TOEFL exam if they are non-native English speakers.

Career Opportunities

The Master of Arts with a major in History is a professional degree program that allows students to pursue their interest in history in any area of concentration within the department’s course offerings. The core of the degree is designed to help degree candidates become proficient at advanced historical research methods and writing. The general degree program, as opposed to a concentration, allows degree candidates to choose broadly from the department’s course offerings in U.S., global, and military history while benefitting from the department’s strengths in race, social, and cultural history. Up to six credits of elective coursework are available to students outside of the history department. 

The Master of Arts with a major in History program is delivered through content courses (5000 level HIST U/G courses) and graduate seminars (7000 level courses). In addition to general coursework, degree candidates will have the option to complete an advanced research project by producing a thesis in their final year. Language proficiency, whether through traditional languages or GIS, is required. Degree candidates will need to take a reading proficiency exam in the foreign language and show English competency in TOEFL exam if they are non-native English speakers.

Admission Requirements

Regular Admission to the Program:

Applicants interested in applying to the graduate program in the Department of History and Geography must file a graduate application with the Columbus State University Graduate School office. A student must meet both university and departmental requirements to be admitted into the degree program.

• B.A. in History or equivalent in the proposed field of study from an accredited college or university; people with a major in a related field may be admitted on a provisional basis if they have completed 9 semester hours in upper division history credit with no grade below a C.
• G.P.A. of 3.0 overall and 3.0 in History with no grade in History below a C.

Applications must submit an application to the graduate school that includes the following:

• University Application Form completed online or mailed to the graduate school.
• College transcripts;
• A statement of purpose outlining research interest, career objectives, rationale for pursuing a M.A. in History, and undergraduate preparation for pursuing the degree.  
• Writing sample, such as a senior seminar paper, showing proficiency in primary source research, as well as excellent citation of sources and writing skills;
• Two letters of recommendation (PDF) (PDF) (PDF) from undergraduate professors or other referees able to comment on the applicant’s potential for successful graduate study.
• Curriculum vitae.
• TOEFL Scores (If applicable).

Provisional Admission :

Applicants who fail to meet one of the requirements for regular admission may be accepted on a provisional status. Provisional degree candidates who take nine semester hours of graduate history courses at Columbus State University with no grade less than a B will be reclassified with regular admission.

Learning Outcomes

Master’s students will be able to describe major historical events and topics on a global scale, contextualize them, and evaluate their legacies. They will be able to do the same on a more detailed level within an area of specialization such as the United States, Latin America, Asia, etc.

They should go beyond the study of discrete historical events and Time periods for their own sake by exploring and analyzing critically larger themes and questions.

They will utilize historical methodologies to produce a sophisticated research-based thesis—collecting and analyzing primary documents, demonstrating a firm grasp of current historiography, and articulating an original scholarly argument based on their research.

Masters students should also demonstrate at least a reading competency in a foreign language as one of their degree requirements.

They will be able to present their work in an oral form effectively, according to accepted standards in the field of history.

Examine and apply race and ethnicity as factors in major historical developments as theoretical tools for historical inquiry in various geographical and chronological settings.

Additional Program Requirements

This degree is subject to the following requirements and conditions.  

• To remain in good standing, degree candidates must enroll in at least three hours of coursework per semester, not including summers. Those who do not maintain continuous admission must reapply for acceptance into the program.  Degree candidates may not receive credit for a C in any course in the major. Upon receipt of a grade of C or lower in any course the student will be placed on academic probation and will receive advisement. The student will be removed from academic probation upon completion of a full semester with no grade lower than a B. A student may not remain enrolled in the program if they have received a grade lower than a B for more than two semesters (consecutive or otherwise).
• Students cannot enroll in HIST 6999 Thesis Research and Writing until they have completed their language or technological skills proficiency requirement, and have had their thesis prospectus approved by their thesis committee.
• All requirements for the M.A. must be completed within six years of matriculation.

Program of Study

Area 1 Core Required Hours: 9
HIST 5195 Historiography
HIST 6745 Graduate Colloquium (taken for two semesters)
HIST 6015 Graduate History Convocation (0 credit hours. Must be taken each fall and spring semester.)

Area 2: Track Required Hours: 21

Select seven of the following courses:

HIST 5112 American Slavery and Emancipation, 1619-1877
HIST 5135 Race and Ethnicity in Latin America
HIST 5136 Slavery in Latin America
HIST 5138 Race and Ethnicity in Colonial America
HIST 5566 Selected Topics in Race and American History
HIST 5708: The United States in the 1960s
HIST 5716: The Caliphate: The Islamic State, Medieval to Modern

Any other 5000 or 6000-level HIST course (except HIST 6999) may count towards Area 2 provided that in agreement with the instructor students complete their semester research paper in a topic related to race, ethnicity and society (students will enroll in an especially designated section for this purpose).

Of the seven electives courses, the student may take up to two courses at the 5000-level or above outside of HIST, as approved by the graduate coordinator and departmental chair.

Area 3 Thesis Required Hours: 6

HIST 6999 Thesis Research and Writing (6 hours)
HIST 6025 Thesis Defense (0 credit hours)

Total hours: 36