Master of Arts
In this program the Master of Arts degree is ordinarily an incidental degree that can be granted on the way to full Ph.D. candidacy. It can also be awarded under other circumstances. In any case, to be granted an M.A. degree in History the student must have completed at least eight courses totaling 24 graded credits and up to six credits of non-topical research and a Master’s Essay approved by the advisor. The Master’s Essay will be a paper of the kind and quality that could be submitted as an article to a refereed journal for possible publication. Students can apply to receive the M.A. degree once these requirements are complete.
Doctor of Philosophy
Candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in History are required to pass at least 12 graded semester courses (54 credits including 18 hours of non-topical research and 9 hours of non-graded course work). Student must take a set of written exams covering three fields of study, as approved by the advisor, and two-hour oral examination.
Students must demonstrate foreign language mastery or proficiency as specified in the descriptions of their academic programs within the department.
Students are expected to complete pre-dissertation requirements, including coursework, language examinations, and the general examinations, prior to the conclusion of the second year of study. The dissertation prospectus is due no later than September 15 of the third year of Study. Students may petition to fulfill these requirements in the third year, but must complete them no later than January 31.
After submission of the dissertation, a final oral examination is given in which the candidate must defend the dissertation.
Program in Legal History
The history department, in cooperation with the School of Law, enables students to develop special competency in American legal history and in English legal history. A joint committee of the faculty in history and in law administers the program. Admission to the program is through the usual procedures of admission to the Department of History.