M.A. in Communication
The M.A. in Communication at Purdue University Northwest is a 36-credit hour program th...
M.A. in History
Hammond, Indiana
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in History at Purdue University Northwest requires 33 credits for completion. The program is designed to stimulate critical thinking, broaden historical knowledge across various periods and regions, and enhance research and analytical writing skills. It caters to a range of students, including social studies and history teachers aiming to enhance their professional credentials and those preparing for Ph.D. programs. Students can choose between a thesis and a non-thesis option, allowing for customization based on individual academic and career goals. The non-thesis option culminates in written and/or oral comprehensive examinations, while the thesis option requires the completion and defense of an original research work. Admission requirements typically include an undergraduate History major or a strong minor, and GRE scores may be required depending on the applicant's undergraduate GPA.
Curriculum: The 33-credit curriculum for the M.A. in History is structured to provide a deep dive into historical methodology, theory, and diverse historical fields. Students engage with at least 12 credits of History at the 60000 level, which typically includes advanced research and writing seminars. For the non-thesis option, 27 credits must be in History courses, with the remaining 6 credits potentially in a related field. For the thesis option, students complete 21 credits in History at the 50000 level or above, 9 credits in History at the 60000 level (including three 600-level research and writing seminars), and 3 credits for the thesis (HIST 69800). The curriculum emphasizes the development of core historical skills: developing advanced analytical and interpretive skills by examining historical sources, expanding writing and verbal communication, advancing abilities to research questions and find answers, and contextualizing complex historical events and their connections to today.
Research Focus: The M.A. in History at Purdue University Northwest places a significant emphasis on historical research and scholarly inquiry. The program's core includes multiple 600-level research and writing seminars, providing students with the methodological tools and theoretical frameworks necessary for advanced historical investigation. The thesis option (HIST 69800) is a direct testament to this focus, requiring students to conduct original research, develop a prospectus, and defend their findings before a faculty committee. This option allows students to delve deeply into a specific historical topic of their choosing, demonstrating their ability to contribute to historical scholarship. For those pursuing the non-thesis option, the program still culminates in comprehensive examinations, which require a broad synthesis of historical knowledge and analytical application, indicating a strong foundation in research comprehension and critical analysis.
Industry Engagement: Purdue University Northwest's M.A. in History program emphasizes the practical application of historical skills in various professional contexts. The program actively partners with local museums and historical societies to offer internships, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience in areas such as archival management, curatorial work, and public history. This direct engagement builds student networks and develops practical research skills relevant to cultural institutions. Furthermore, the program highlights that the critical thinking, research, and analytical skills acquired are highly sought after in diverse sectors beyond academia, including business, law, public policy, and government. Alumni of the program are employed across the region in various roles, and many pursue further doctoral studies, indicating the program's strong connection to both academic and professional pathways.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in History at Purdue University Northwest naturally integrates a global perspective through its curriculum, which offers a diverse array of courses spanning different geographical regions and historical periods. While the catalog doesn't explicitly detail a mandatory global studies component, courses like "South Asian History and Civilizations," "English History," and potentially "Special Topics in History" that "transcend and telescope traditional analytical, chronological, and geographical boundaries" indicate a broad, interconnected approach to historical study. The program aims to help students contextualize and understand complex historical events and their connections to today, which inherently involves recognizing global interdependencies and diverse cultural narratives. This prepares graduates to analyze historical phenomena within a broader international context, a crucial skill in an increasingly globalized world.
Location
Hammond, Indiana
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 14470
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $75
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% 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 80 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is dedicated to supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities that recognize academic excellence, leadership, and diverse talents. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden and make quality education more accessible.
Merit-Based Scholarships: PNW offers several merit-based scholarships for international students based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These scholarships can significantly offset tuition costs and are awarded automatically during the admissions process or through a separate application.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Purdue University Northwest provide scholarships specific to their fields of study. These awards reward outstanding students pursuing degrees in areas such as engineering, business, health sciences, and more. International students are encouraged to contact their department of interest for detailed scholarship opportunities.
Renewable Scholarships: Some scholarships at PNW are renewable annually, provided students maintain a satisfactory GPA and meet specific academic requirements. This offers ongoing financial support throughout the duration of their degree programs.
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in History from Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a robust graduate program that hones advanced critical thinking, research, and analytical writing skills. This 33-credit program, offering both thesis and non-thesis options, is designed for individuals seeking to deepen their historical knowledge for diverse career paths, including teaching, doctoral studies, or professional roles in government, law, business, and cultural institutions. PNW emphasizes the practical application of historical skills through opportunities like internships with local museums and historical societies, preparing graduates for impactful careers.
Archivist: Graduates are well-prepared to organize, preserve, and provide access to historical documents, records, and digital materials in various settings, including government archives, universities, libraries, and corporate institutions. Their expertise in source evaluation and historical context is crucial.
Museum Curator/Collections Manager: This role involves managing collections of artifacts and artworks, conducting research, developing exhibitions, and ensuring the proper preservation and interpretation of historical objects for public engagement in museums and galleries.
Historian (Public/Government/Consulting): Beyond academia, historians work for government agencies, historical societies, research organizations, or as consultants. They conduct research, write reports, provide historical context for policy decisions, and contribute to public understanding of the past.
Secondary School Teacher (with appropriate certification): Many M.A. in History graduates pursue or advance careers as history or social studies teachers at the secondary level. The program enhances their content knowledge and pedagogical approaches, making them highly effective educators.
Higher Education Instructor/Lecturer: With a master's degree, graduates can teach history or related humanities courses at community colleges or as adjunct faculty at universities, sharing their specialized knowledge and fostering critical thinking in undergraduate students.
Librarian (Academic/Research): Graduates with a strong background in historical research and information literacy are well-suited for roles in academic or research libraries, assisting patrons with historical inquiries, managing special collections, and curating historical resources.
Policy Analyst: The analytical and research skills developed in a history MA program are highly valued in policy analysis. Graduates can work for government bodies, think tanks, or non-profits, using historical context to understand contemporary issues and inform policy development.
Journalist/Writer/Editor (with historical focus): Graduates can leverage their strong research and writing skills to pursue careers in journalism, publishing, or content creation, specializing in historical topics, cultural commentary, or investigative reporting that requires deep contextual understanding.
Cultural Resource Manager: These professionals work to identify, evaluate, and preserve historical and archaeological sites and artifacts, often ensuring compliance with heritage laws and regulations for government agencies, private firms, or non-profit preservation organizations.
Genealogist: For those with a passion for family history and meticulous research skills, a career as a professional genealogist involves tracing family lineages using historical records, archives, and oral traditions for individuals, research firms, or historical societies.
