History, MA

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The Purdue University Northwest Master’s degree program in History is designed to stimulate critical thinking, broaden historical knowledge, and build research and analytical writing skills. The program is well-suited for social studies and history teachers who wish to enhance their teaching by keeping current in their fields, in addition to students who wish to continue their studies at the Ph.D. level. A master’s degree in history can also provide opportunities for students who wish to work with museums, archives, and historical societies throughout Northwest Indiana and beyond. A master’s degree in History serves as the credential outlined by the Higher Learning Commission to teach many college-level courses. Critical thinking, research, and analytical skills acquired through this program additionally prepare students for careers in business, law, public policy, and government.

Special Admission Requirements

Scores from the Graduate Record Exam or GRE (at the discretion of the department) may be required. The GRE is mandated for students with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0/4.0.
An undergraduate History major or a strong minor.
Completion of the application process (submission of official transcripts of all undergraduate work, three recommendations, a 300 to 500-word essay on why the student wishes to attend graduate school (statement of purpose) and a completed on-line application form). The student may take as many as 12 credits in a temporary (non-degree graduate) or post-baccalaureate status prior to being admitted to the program.

Program Requirements

The History program offers a 33 credit hour program with multiple options, or a 30 credit plan of study designed for secondary teachers of history which is available online. Please contact the History department for specific information on how students in the secondary teachers program may incorporate graduate courses in the discipline which they may have taken as dual credit teachers. The 30 credit hour plan of study includes 21 credits of History courses at the 50000-level and above and 9 credits of History courses at the 60000-level and above. Either plan of study requires a comprehensive examination.

Option 1

History at 50000 level or above (21 credits)
History at 60000 level (12 credits)
Written and/or oral comprehensive examinations

Option 2

History at 50000 level or above (15 credits)
History at 60000 level (12 credits)
Other area at 50000 level or above – Business, Communication, etc. (6 credits)
Written and/or oral comprehensive examinations

Option 3

History at 50000 level or above (21 credits)
History at 60000 level (9 credits)
HIST 69800 Research MA Thesis – with approval of Graduate Advisor (3 credits)
Defense of thesis in accordance with criteria of the Graduate School

Option 4

History at 50000 level or above (15 credits)
History at 60000 level (9 credits)
Other area at 50000 level or above – Business, Communication, etc. (6 credits)HIST 69800 Research MA Thesis – with approval of Graduate Advisor (3 credits) Defense of thesis in accordance with criteria of the Graduate School

Transfer of Credit

No more than two courses (6 credit hours) from another accredited institution. Transfer courses are subject to approval by the graduate advisor and the graduate program chair. Courses must have grade of B or better, and may not have been used toward another degree (unless it is a Purdue University Master’s degree). If you are in the secondary teacher plan of study, please contact the History department for use of graduate credits taken as a dual credit teacher.

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