Students preparing to graduate must submit an Application for Graduation in the first two weeks of a term in which the work is to be completed. There is a $60 graduation processing fee that is payable at the Cashiers Office (MSR 110). A student who does not meet all degree requirements for the term requested will be required to reapply for graduation for the term in which all requirements will be satisfied and pay a $10 re-application fee.

MA students have the option of writing a thesis. An MA thesis is a substantial piece of original historical scholarship. In completing the thesis, the student is expected to demonstrate knowledge of the subject matter and its historiography, as well as competence in the following three skills: the ability to conduct research, the ability to analyze historical evidence, and the ability to communicate clearly. A completed MA thesis is usually more than 100 pages.

All students will take a series of three 90-minute comprehensive exams. Students writing a thesis will take their exams after completing 22 units. Students not writing a thesis will take their exams after completing 30 units. Comprehensive exams must be completed within one year of completing coursework.

Students may apply up to 6 units of History 5980: Individual Study toward the M.A. degree. Individual Study requirements will be specified by the instructor. Students wishing to enroll in units of Individual Study will identify a topic of study and request instruction from a faculty person with expertise in that field. The faculty person may or may not agree to the request.

Students may take up to 9 units of 4000-level courses to be applied to the degree. Extra work, as specified by the instructor, is required in order for 4000-level courses to count toward the M.A. degree. The only 4000-level classes not appropriate for graduate students are HIST 4000, 4960, and 4980.

New students are admitted to the M.A. program for both the fall and spring semesters. Students interested in applying should send a letter of intent to the Graduate Director: bwolfehunnicutt@csustan.edu.

History M.A. 

How did we get where we are today? What caused past events? What differences did individuals make? If these and other questions intrigue you, history has the answers—or, more specifically, a choice of answers. Stanislaus State offers you the chance to study the varieties of history, explore your own favorite corners of the past, and effectively communicate what you have discovered.