M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The CMHC program at Missouri State University leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degre...
M.A. in History
Springfield, Missouri
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in History at Missouri State University can be completed in approximately 1.5 years for full-time students. It provides a foundational understanding of historical methodology and historiography, while also allowing students to specialize in areas of interest. Students choose one of three distinct tracks: United States History, World History, or a combination of U.S. and World History. An accelerated master's option is also available for qualified undergraduates, enabling them to streamline their degree completion. Regardless of the chosen track, all students are required to demonstrate their research capabilities through either a master's thesis or a seminar paper, followed by a comprehensive examination.
Curriculum: The curriculum consists of a 12-credit-hour core and 12 credit hours within the chosen track, culminating in 6 credit hours dedicated to research. The core curriculum ensures all students develop competence in historical theory, methods, and critical analysis of primary and secondary sources. Key courses include "Historiography and Historical Methods," which introduces students to the philosophies and theories of historical writing. Beyond the core, students delve into specialized seminars within their chosen track, which may include primary source seminars focusing on original documents, readings seminars providing a deep understanding of historiographical debates, and research seminars where students develop their own original research projects. The specific seminars vary based on faculty expertise and student interest within their selected track.
Research Focus: A cornerstone of the M.A. in History program is its strong emphasis on independent research. Students are trained to develop research topics of appropriate scope, identify and critically evaluate relevant primary and secondary sources, and present analytical arguments in clear, scholarly prose. All graduate students must complete a research seminar as part of their core curriculum. For those pursuing the thesis option, this involves an extended original research project (typically 80-100 pages) supervised by a faculty member, culminating in a successful oral defense. The department encourages students to consider the thesis option, especially if they plan to pursue a Ph.D., as it provides invaluable preparation for advanced doctoral work. Faculty research interests are broad, offering opportunities for students to pursue topics in various historical periods and regions.
Industry Engagement: While the M.A. in History is an academic degree, it cultivates a highly marketable skillset valued across various industries. Graduates develop advanced abilities in research, critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and persuasive written and oral communication. These skills are highly transferable to careers beyond academia, including public history (museums, archives, historical societies), journalism, law, government, and administration. The department encourages practical application of historical knowledge, with opportunities for internships that can provide valuable experience in settings like museums or historical organizations. The program aims to prepare students not only for doctoral programs but also for diverse professional roles that require sophisticated understanding of the past and excellent communication skills.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in History at Missouri State University inherently fosters a global perspective, particularly through its "World History" track. This track encourages students to examine time through an intercontinental lens, exploring heritages and interactions across diverse regions such as Latin America, Europe, East Asia, and beyond. Even within the U.S. History track, topics often include global connections and influences. The curriculum and faculty expertise expose students to a wide range of historical scholarship and theoretical approaches from different cultural contexts, broadening their worldview. This emphasis on global connections and ideals prepares graduates for international career opportunities, whether in diplomacy, international relations, global journalism, or museum curation with a transnational focus.
Location
Springfield, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 15914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $72
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Missouri State University offers several scholarship opportunities designed specifically to support international students in pursuing their higher education goals. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to campus life, helping reduce the financial burden for international learners.
International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards to outstanding first-time international freshmen. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. Eligibility is based on strong academic records, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the award.
International Leadership Scholarship: Targeting international freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement. It is renewable for up to four years. Applicants are required to submit an essay highlighting their leadership experiences and vision. The scholarship is competitive, with only about 10 awards granted each year.
Additional Scholarships and Grants: Besides the primary scholarships, Missouri State University provides various other financial awards through departmental scholarships, honors programs, and special initiatives. Some scholarships may require separate applications or nominations based on the student's major or area of study.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in History from Missouri State University provides graduates with a deep understanding of historical processes, advanced research methodologies, and highly refined analytical and communication skills. This comprehensive training prepares individuals for a variety of roles that require critical thinking, an ability to synthesize complex information, and the capacity to contextualize current events within broader historical narratives. While a strong foundation for doctoral studies, the degree also opens doors to numerous careers outside academia.
Archivist: Archivists are responsible for preserving, organizing, and providing access to historical documents, photographs, and records. They work in museums, libraries, government institutions, corporations, and universities, ensuring that valuable historical materials are maintained for future research and public access.
Museum Curator/Educator: In museums and historical societies, curators manage collections, design exhibits, and conduct research on artifacts. Museum educators develop and deliver programs for diverse audiences, bringing history to life through tours, workshops, and interpretive materials.
High School History Teacher: An M.A. in History significantly enhances qualifications for teaching history and social studies at the secondary school level. This advanced degree can lead to opportunities to teach advanced placement or dual-credit courses, and may offer increased earning potential.
Government Historian/Analyst: Various government agencies (federal, state, and local) employ historians to conduct research, write reports, and provide historical context for policy decisions. This can include working for national parks, military history offices, or legislative bodies, often involving policy analysis or historical preservation.
Research Analyst/Consultant: The rigorous research and analytical skills developed in an M.A. History program are highly valued in consulting firms, think tanks, and research organizations. Graduates can work as researchers, analyzing historical data to inform contemporary issues, market trends, or strategic planning.
Librarian (with additional training): While typically requiring a Master of Library Science (MLS), an M.A. in History provides an excellent foundation for a career in librarianship, particularly in academic or archival libraries. History graduates possess strong research skills and a deep understanding of information organization.
Journalist/Content Writer: The ability to research thoroughly, analyze complex information, and write clear, engaging narratives makes history graduates well-suited for journalism, technical writing, or content creation. They can write for news organizations, magazines, educational publishers, or digital platforms, often focusing on historical or culturally relevant topics.
Grant Writer: Many non-profit organizations, historical societies, and cultural institutions rely on grant funding. An M.A. in History equips graduates with the research, persuasive writing, and project development skills essential for crafting compelling grant proposals.
Historical Preservationist/Cultural Resource Manager: These professionals work to identify, protect, and manage historical sites, buildings, and cultural landscapes. They often work for government agencies, preservation organizations, or private consulting firms, ensuring compliance with heritage protection laws and promoting responsible development.
Lecturer/Adjunct Professor (Higher Education): While a Ph.D. is generally required for tenure-track university professorships, an M.A. in History can qualify individuals for part-time, adjunct, or lecturer positions at community colleges or universities, particularly for introductory history courses.
