M.A. in History

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 75

1. Academic Qualifications:

   • Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
   • The minimum academic requirement is typically a GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or an equivalent of 60% or higher.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

2. English Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS: An overall score of 7.0 or higher with no individual band score less than 6.5.
   • TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 100 with no band less than 22.
   • DET (Duolingo English Test): A score of 105 or higher.
   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): A score of 64 or higher.                                                                                                                         

3. Standardized Tests:

   • GRE: A minimum score of 300.

Murray State University (MSU) offers several scholarships and financial aid opportunities to international students to help them pursue their higher education goals in the United States. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to the university community. 

1. International Diversity Scholarship: This scholarship is designed to promote diversity and global perspectives on campus. It is awarded to a limited number of international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements and leadership skills. The award amount varies and is renewable.

2. International Transfer Scholarship: MSU offers scholarships for international transfer students who are transferring from a U.S. community college or another university. These scholarships are based on academic performance and may be renewable.

3. Global Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is available to new, first-time international undergraduate students with strong academic records. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable for up to four years, provided the student maintains a specified GPA.

4. Graduate Assistantships: Graduate students at MSU have the opportunity to apply for graduate assistantships, which provide a stipend and often include a tuition waiver. These assistantships are typically offered in academic departments and may involve teaching, research, or administrative duties.

5. International Merit Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to international students based on their academic achievements and standardized test scores. The scholarship amounts vary, and they are typically competitive.

6. Athletic Scholarships: International student-athletes who excel in sports may be eligible for athletic scholarships if they join one of MSU's athletic teams.

7. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments and colleges within MSU may offer scholarships specific to their fields of study. These scholarships can vary widely in terms of eligibility criteria and award amounts.

8. Honors Program Scholarships: High-achieving international students who are admitted to the MSU Honors Program may receive scholarships that support their participation in this academically enriching program.

9. External Scholarships: MSU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, both in their home countries and through international scholarship programs. The university's scholarship office can provide guidance on external scholarships.

It's important for international students to review the specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and application processes for each scholarship. Some scholarships may require additional documents, such as essays or letters of recommendation. Additionally, maintaining good academic standing is often a requirement to renew scholarships from year to year.

Pursuing a Master of Arts (M.A.) in History at Murray State University opens doors to a myriad of exciting career prospects. This program provides students with a deep understanding of historical events, critical thinking skills, and research expertise, making graduates well-prepared for a variety of rewarding career paths. An M.A. in History from Murray State University equips graduates with a broad skill set, including research, critical thinking, and communication skills, making them valuable contributors to various sectors, from education and research to public service and cultural preservation.

1. Historical Researcher/Archivist: Graduates with an M.A. in History often find employment as historical researchers or archivists in libraries, museums, and government agencies. They curate and preserve historical records, manuscripts, and artifacts, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage.

2. Secondary and Postsecondary Education: Many M.A. in History graduates become educators, teaching history at secondary schools or pursuing careers in higher education as college professors. This path allows them to inspire the next generation of historians.

3. Curators and Museum Professionals: Working in museums as curators, exhibit designers, or educators is a common career choice for history graduates. They curate collections, create exhibits, and educate the public about historical events and artifacts.

4. Historical Consultants: History professionals often serve as consultants for businesses, law firms, or government agencies, providing expertise on historical contexts related to legal cases, land disputes, and more.

5. Public Historians: Public historians work in various capacities, such as historical interpreters, cultural resource managers, or consultants for historic preservation projects. They bridge the gap between academic history and the public, making history accessible and engaging.

6. Journalism and Media: Graduates can pursue careers in journalism, broadcasting, or documentary filmmaking. Their research and analytical skills are valuable for investigative reporting and storytelling.

7. Government and Policy Analysis: History graduates often find roles in government, working as policy analysts, legislative aides, or researchers. Their ability to analyze past policies and historical trends informs decision-making.

8. Nonprofit and Advocacy Organizations: Many nonprofit organizations focused on historical preservation, social justice, or community development hire history professionals to lead research initiatives, manage programs, and advocate for historical causes.

9. Archaeology and Cultural Resource Management: For those interested in archaeology, an M.A. in History can lead to careers in cultural resource management, where professionals protect and preserve archaeological sites.

10. Library Science and Information Management: Graduates can also consider careers in library science, information management, or digital archiving, managing historical documents and data.

11. Freelance Historians and Writers: Some history professionals choose to work as freelance historians, authors, or writers, publishing books, articles, and research papers on historical topics of interest.

12. Corporate Historians: Large corporations often employ historians to research and document their company's history, which can be used for marketing, branding, and internal purposes.