M.Ed. in Special Education
Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, offers a comprehensive Master of ...
Master of Social Science in History
Clinton, Mississippi
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S.S. in History at Mississippi College is centered around social sciences rather than intensive, independent research. Its core objective is to cultivate the capacity for honest, critical inquiry into historical events and their broader implications. The program provides the opportunity to delve into historical understanding and examine how past cultures and behaviors continue to influence the present. It is structured to allow students to choose a major area in History and complement it with minors from other social science disciplines, such as Political Science or Administration of Justice.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S.S. in History is designed for interdisciplinary study. For the 30-hour plan, students typically take 18 semester hours in History as their major area, along with 6 semester hours in each of two other social science fields (e.g., Political Science, Communication, Economics) as minors. The 36-hour plan requires 18 semester hours in each of two major areas, such as History and Political Science. All candidates must generally pass an oral comprehensive examination in their final semester. Students maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.25 may be exempt from written and/or oral comprehensive exams, indicating a focus on consistent academic performance.
Research Focus: The M.S.S. in History at Mississippi College is explicitly positioned as a program "centered around social sciences rather than research," meaning a thesis is not required. However, this does not negate the development of research skills. Graduate-level history coursework inherently involves engaging with historical methodologies, primary and secondary sources, and critical analysis of historical narratives. The program aims to develop the ability to think abstractly, critically, and reflectively with social science data. Students are expected to conduct research for individual course papers and projects, contributing to a deeper understanding of historical events and their context, even without a culminating thesis project. The focus is more on broad historical knowledge and analytical thinking rather than original contribution to historical scholarship.
Industry Engagement: The M.S.S. in History program at Mississippi College engages with various "industries" by providing graduates with highly transferable skills valued across multiple sectors. While not tied to a single industry like a professional degree in business or medicine, the program cultivates skills in critical thinking, research, analysis, and effective communication, which are essential in diverse professional environments. Graduates can find opportunities in education (e.g., teaching history at community colleges or K-12 with additional certification), government (policy analysis, archival work), cultural institutions (museums, historical societies), and roles requiring strong analytical and communication abilities, such as journalism, public relations, and non-profit management. The faculty, comprised of accomplished teachers and scholars, often have connections within these fields, enriching the learning experience.
Global Perspective: The M.S.S. in History inherently fosters a strong global perspective by providing students with a deep understanding of historical events and developments across various cultures and time periods. The study of history, by its very nature, involves examining interconnected global phenomena, such as trade, migration, conflict, and cultural exchange. While specific course offerings may lean towards U.S. history, the curriculum typically includes opportunities to explore world history and different civilizations. This exposure enables graduates to contextualize contemporary global issues within their historical evolution and appreciate diverse cultural perspectives, preparing them for roles in an increasingly interconnected world.
Location
Clinton, Mississippi
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 13856
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
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 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 52 or higher.
Mississippi College is making quality education affordable for students from around the world. To support this goal, the college offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students, helping to reduce the overall cost of tuition and living expenses.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students with strong academic records are eligible for merit-based scholarships. These awards are determined by evaluating high school GPA (or equivalent), standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT), and other academic achievements. The scholarship amount varies, with awards ranging from partial to significant tuition discounts, which are renewable based on academic performance.
Presidential and Dean’s Scholarships: Highly qualified international students may receive Presidential or Dean’s Scholarships, two of the most prestigious awards offered by Mississippi College. These scholarships are based on exceptional academic credentials and leadership potential and can cover a substantial portion of tuition costs.
A Master of Social Science (M.S.S.) in History from Mississippi College provides a strong foundation in critical thinking, research, and communication, making graduates highly adaptable to diverse professional fields. While not a direct path to an academic research career (like a Ph.D.), this interdisciplinary program equips individuals with a nuanced understanding of human societies and the forces that shape them, skills highly valued across various sectors.
Archivist/Records Manager: Apply historical knowledge to preserve, organize, and manage historical documents, digital records, and artifacts for museums, libraries, government agencies, or corporate archives. This role is crucial for maintaining institutional memory and historical records.
Museum Curator/Collections Manager: Work in museums, art galleries, or historical societies to research, acquire, preserve, and exhibit historical artifacts and artworks. They often develop educational programs and interpret historical narratives for the public.
Historic Site Administrator/Preservation Specialist: Manage and interpret historical sites, national parks, or cultural heritage landmarks. This involves overseeing operations, developing educational tours, and ensuring the preservation of historical integrity.
Policy Analyst/Researcher (Government/Think Tanks): Leverage strong research and analytical skills to study historical trends and their implications for current public policy. Graduates can work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or research institutions, contributing to informed decision-making.
Legislative Aide/Political Staffer: Assist elected officials or political organizations by conducting research, drafting reports, tracking legislation, and communicating with constituents. The historical context gained from an M.S.S. is invaluable for understanding political developments.
Genealogist: Research and trace family histories for individuals, legal purposes, or historical societies. This specialized role requires meticulous research skills and a deep understanding of historical records and social structures.
Journalist/Content Writer (Specializing in History/Humanities): Apply advanced research, writing, and analytical skills to create compelling narratives for news organizations, magazines, educational publishers, or digital media platforms, often focusing on historical or culturally significant topics.
Public Relations/Communications Specialist: Use an understanding of human behavior, societal trends, and effective communication to manage public image, develop messaging, and build relationships for organizations across various industries.
Librarian (with additional certification, if needed): Utilize strong research and organizational skills to assist patrons, manage collections, and provide information services in academic, public, or specialized libraries. The M.S.S. provides a rich subject matter background.
Community College Instructor (History/Social Science): While a Ph.D. is often required for university professorships, an M.S.S. can qualify graduates to teach introductory history or social science courses at community colleges, sharing their passion for the subject with diverse learners.
