The Master of Arts in History appeals to students intending to pursue doctoral studies at other institutions, teachers wishing to enhance their content knowledge, and individuals simply seeking a more advanced study of the past. Going substantially beyond their undergraduate coursework, MA students challenge themselves to deepen their knowledge about the origins and development of peoples in the past and to enhance their research and writing skills. Graduates of the MA program are equipped to make significant and independent contributions to the field of history and practice skills relevant in a variety of professional careers, including as secondary teachers, college or university professors, journalists, and historians in government and private agencies.

Advising Requirement

Advising is mandatory for this program. Consult your department advisor or program coordinator for information.

Requirements for the MA in History

Completion of all requirements as established by the department graduate committee, the graduate advisory committee, and Graduate Studies, to include:

1. Completion of an approved program consisting of 30 units of 400/500/600-level courses as follows:
   1. At least 27 units in the discipline of history, with a minimum of 18 units of 600-level courses in the discipline.
   2. Not more than a total of six units of HIST 697 and HIST 699T.
   3. Satisfactory completion of HIST 600 and HIST 690.
2. Completion of one of the following:
   1. Comprehensive Examination: most students will be required to satisfactorily complete a terminal examination to be administered by the student's graduate advisory committee.
   2. Thesis Plan: subject to the prior approval of a student's graduate advisory committee and the department graduate committee, a student may enroll in HIST 699T for up to six units of credit. Only those students who can show that their proposed thesis will constitute a substantial research study based mostly on primary sources will be permitted to select this option. Final approval of the thesis is subject to a successful oral examination in which the student defends the thesis.

Graduate Grading Requirements

All courses in the major (with the exceptions of Comprehensive Examination - 696, Independent Study - 697, Master's Project - 699P, and Master's Thesis - 699T) must be taken for a letter grade, except those courses specified by the department as ABC/No Credit (400/500-level courses), AB/No Credit (600-level courses), or Credit/No Credit grading only. A maximum of 10 units combined of ABC/No Credit, AB/No Credit, and Credit/No Credit grades may be used on the approved program (including 696, 697, 699P, 699T and courses outside the major). While grading standards are determined by individual programs and instructors, it is also the policy of the University that unsatisfactory grades may be given when work fails to reflect achievement of the high standards, including high writing standards, expected of students pursuing graduate study.

Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in each of the following three categories: all coursework taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master's program; all coursework taken at Chico State subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses in the approved master's degree program. Failure to maintain a 3.0 average in any category will result in academic notice in the master's program. Failure to remedy the deficiency within one semester with appropriate courses approved by the program coordinator may result in disqualification from the master's program. See Graduate Education Policies for more information.

Continuous enrollment is required. At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework. This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Professional & Continuing Education. Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer.

Graduate Time Limit

All requirements for the degree are to be completed within five years of the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course applied toward the degree. See Master's Degree Requirements for complete details on general degree requirements.

Graduate Requirement in Writing Proficiency

All students must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation. History students will normally demonstrate writing competence through their successful completion of HIST 690.

Requirements for Admission to the History MA

1. An acceptable baccalaureate in history from an accredited institution or a baccalaureate in another discipline with advance approval of the History Department's Graduate Coordinator.
2. An undergraduate grade point average that clearly indicates the ability to thrive in the program. Contact the History Department for further information. 
3. See Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Admission Requirements for additional admission information.