History, M.A.

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The BGSU Department of History has a proud and recognized tradition of excellence in graduate studies in history. Our current programs focus on the training of graduate students to meet professional needs in K-12 education, higher education, museums, historical societies, cultural heritage institutions and other areas.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master’s degree, students in the History program are expected to be able to:

Integrate in substantive writing assignments a thorough knowledge of historical methods and the historiography of specialized fields within the general field of history.
Create original arguments based on research in primary sources, and they will synthesize information from a variety of sources.
Develop unique arguments and effectively communicate their arguments in both written and oral formats following the conventions of the discipline of history.
Participate in professional activities in academic and non-academic environments.

Admission Requirements

Resume
Three Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose
Writing Sample

International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement.

Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Requirements

Required Courses (6 credits)

Electives (15 credits)

Choose FIVE courses from these fields (3 courses must be from same field)

Other Requirements (0-6 credits)

Take up to 6 additional credits (depending on Plan I or Plan II culminating experience). If electives are needed, at least 3 credit hours should be in HIST.

Plan I: None

Plan II (option A - Comprehensive Exam/Oral Defense): Take two electives (6 credits)

Plan II (option B - Oral Defense/Final Project for HIST 6910): Take one elective (3 credits)

Culminating Experience (0-6 credits)

Plan I (must take 6 credits): HIST 6990 - Thesis Research
Plan II (option A) Comprehensive Exam and Pass Oral Defense
Plan II (option B): Pass Oral Defense and submit Final Project for HIST 6910 - The Public History Capstone

Minimum Total Credits (30 credits)

Additional Requirements

Minimum of 3 credits of 6990 required for Plan I master’s students. Maximum of 6 credits may be applied toward degree requirements.
Minimum 3.0 graduate cumulative grade point average
Minimum of 18 credits must be at the 6000-level or higher
Minimum of 24 credits must be earned at BGSU
All requirements must be completed within six years from the end of the earliest course used to fulfill degree requirements.