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2016-2017 University Catalog
History, MA
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Banner Code: LA-MA-HIST
Web: historyarthistory.gmu.edu
College: College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department: History and Art History
The Department of History and Art History provides graduate training in historical methods and analysis for students with widely varying goals. The MA concentrations that follow are designed to meet those goals.
An accelerated master’s option is available to students in the bachelor’s program. See History, BA/History, Accelerated MA for specific requirements.
For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies section of the catalog.
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Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admissions section of this catalog. For information specific to the MA in history, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental web site. Degree Requirements
Students pursuing this degree must complete the requirements for one of the concentrations below. Approved concentrations are offered in the following areas:
The first five concentrations require 30 credits of course work along with a specialization in U.S. history (AH), modern European history (EH), or world history (WH). The concentration in teaching requires 36 credits.
Students may be required to take up to 12 additional credits of foundation courses, which cover broad thematic areas (HIST 601, 602, 605, 606), to remedy gaps in their undergraduate preparation. If required as foundational, these credits cannot be applied toward the credits required for the degree.
If foundation courses are not required at admission, students in the concentrations in enrichment and teaching may apply up to one thematic course (3 credits) toward their degree. Students in the other concentrations may not apply these courses toward their degree.
The program does not permit a reduction of credit based on a previously conferred graduate degree. Students may apply no more than 6 credits earned through study abroad courses toward their degree.
▲ Concentration in Predoctoral History (AH1, EH1, WH1)
This concentration is for students planning to pursue doctoral studies. Students choose one of three geographic specializations and a chronological or thematic minor field within that specialization. Students complete coursework and a research seminar in their geographic specialization and an additional independent project or thesis in their minor field.
One required course (3 credits) taken within the first 9 credits
Four courses (12 credits) in a geographic specialization
Specialization in U.S. history (at least 3 credits from each group)
1914 World War I to the present
Specialization in European history (at least 3 credits from each group)
Ancient, medieval, early modern to 1789
Specialization in world history (at least 3 credits from two regions)
One research seminar (3 credits) in a geographic specialization
Two courses (6 credits) in a minor field concentration
In consultation with the graduate director and other faculty, students identify a chronological or topical subspecialty and select two courses that relate directly to that subspecialty.
Language proficiency
Language proficiency sufficient to conduct primary source research in the student’s intended area of concentration, as demonstrated by thesis or independent research project.
Project or thesis (6 credits)
Project and additional elective (6 credits)
HIST 798 requires the completion of a major paper that is a substantial and original contribution to historical knowledge on the model of an article in a scholarly journal. If students choose to take HIST 798, they complete an additional 3 credits in their specialization.
▲ Concentration in Predoctoral History with an Emphasis in Cultural History (AH5, EH5, WH5)
This concentration is for students with a particular interest in cultural history and students considering future work in the cultural studies doctoral program. Completion of this program of study does not guarantee admission to the doctoral program in cultural studies. Students interested in that degree program should contact the Cultural Studies Program.
One required course (3 credits) taken within the first 9 credits
Four courses (12 credits) in a geographic specialization
Specialization in U.S. history (at least 3 credits from each group)
1914 World War I to the present
Specialization in European history (at least 3 credits from each group)
Ancient, medieval, early modern to 1789
Specialization in world history (at least 3 credits from two regions)
One research seminar (3 credits) in a geographic specialization
One required course (3 credits) in cultural studies
Two courses (6 credits) in a minor field concentration in cultural history
Courses must have a significant cultural history component as defined by the instructor.
Language proficiency
Language proficiency sufficient to conduct primary source research in the student’s intended area of concentration, as demonstrated by independent research project.
▲ Concentration in Applied History (AH2, EH2, WH2)
This concentration is for students seeking expertise in applied history fields, such as archival management, museum studies, historic preservation, and historical editing. It is also suitable for professionally employed historians who desire to further their careers. One required course (3 credits) taken within the first 9 credits
Four courses (12 credits) in a specialization
Specialization in U.S. history (at least 3 credits from each group)
1914 World War I to the present
Specialization in European history (at least 3 credits from each group)
Ancient, medieval, early modern to 1789
Specialization in world history (at least 3 credits from two regions)
One research seminar (3 credits) in a specialization
Two to three courses (6-9 credits) in applied history
These include courses in historic preservation, museum studies, archives, historical editing, or new media and information technology.
3 or 6 credits of internship
If students chose to do a 3-credit internship, they will take an additional 3 credits in applied history course work from the list of courses above (HIST 680 - HIST 698).
Proficiency in a relevant research tool
- Demonstrated by course work or exam in computers, statistics, or a modern foreign language
▲ Concentration in Applied History with New Media and Information Technology Emphasis (AH4, EH4, WH4)
Students pursuing this concentration take: One required course (3 credits) taken within the first 9 credits
Four courses (12 credits) in a specialization
Specialization in U.S. history (at least 3 credits from each group)
1914 World War I to the present
Specialization in European history (at least 3 credits from each group)
Ancient, medieval, early modern to 1789
Specialization in world history (at least 3 credits from two regions)
One research seminar (3 credits) in a specialization
Two courses (6 credits) in new media and information technology
Students should consult the department for relevant courses. 3 or 6 credits of internship in information technology
If students chose to do a 3-credit internship, they will take an additional 3 credits in applied history course work from courses numbered HIST 680 - HIST 698.
Proficiency in a relevant research tool
- Demonstrated by course work or exam in computer science, statistics, information technology, or a modern foreign language
▲ Concentration in Enrichment (AH3, EH3, WH3)
This concentration is for students who want to study history for intellectual self-fulfillment or vocational reasons. It allows more flexibility in the selection of courses and does not have a foreign language requirement. One required course (3 credits) taken within the first 9 credits
Four courses (12 credits) in a specialization
Specialization in U.S. history (at least 3 credits from each group)
1914 World War I to the present
Specialization in European history (at least 3 credits from each group)
Ancient, medieval, early modern to 1789
Specialization in world history (at least 3 credits from two regions)
One research seminar (3 credits) in a specialization
One course (3 credits) in a field outside of geographic specialization
Students choose a course from U.S., European, or world history (listed above) that is not in their chosen specialization.
Three elective courses (9 credits)
Thesis Option
Students may optionally write a thesis. Students who choose this option complete only 3 credits of electives.
▲ Concentration in Teaching (HS4)
This concentration is intended for students already licensed for teaching or seeking licensure. Although it includes course work in history and education, completion of this concentration alone is not sufficient to qualify for licensure. A licensure program is offered by the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), and admission is limited. Students are advised to consult with CEHD for specific requirements regarding licensure. One required course (3 credits) taken within the first 9 credits
Six courses (18 credits) in history
- Choose at least one course (3 credits) each from U.S., European, and world history
One research seminar (3 credits) chosen from:
Four courses (12 credits) in graduate education courses, including:
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