M.A. in History

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 80

1. Academic Qualifications:

• Applicants should have completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• A minimum overall percentage of 83-86 or its equivalent is typically required for admission.

2. English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: An overall score of at least 6.5 with no individual band score below 6.0.
• TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 79 is often required.

3.  Score reporting required.

Mississippi State University (MSU) recognizes the importance of providing financial assistance to international students to help them pursue their higher education goals. The university offers a variety of scholarships to support the academic achievements and contributions of international students. These scholarships are designed to recognize excellence, diversity, and leadership. 

1. Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students based on their academic merit. This scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in their previous studies. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable based on maintaining a specified GPA.

2. International Student Scholarships: MSU offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships consider factors such as academic achievement, leadership potential, and contributions to the campus community. Award amounts and eligibility criteria may vary.

3. Intensive English Institute (IEI) Scholarships: MSU's IEI offers scholarships to international students who enroll in English language programs. These scholarships help students improve their English language skills before pursuing their academic studies at the university.

4. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments at MSU offer scholarships to international students who are pursuing specific fields of study. These scholarships are often based on academic performance, research interests, and involvement in departmental activities.

5. Cultural Exchange Scholarships: MSU encourages cultural exchange by offering scholarships to international students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships promote diversity and foster a global learning environment on campus.

6. Graduate Assistantships: International graduate students may have the opportunity to work as research or teaching assistants, which can come with a stipend, tuition waiver, and valuable work experience.

7. External Scholarships: MSU provides information and guidance to international students seeking external scholarships, grants, or funding opportunities offered by government agencies, foundations, and organizations.

Application Process: The application process for scholarships at MSU may vary depending on the scholarship program. Generally, students need to complete their application for admission to the university before they can be considered for scholarships. Some scholarships may require additional essays, letters of recommendation, or a statement of purpose.

Deadlines: Scholarship application deadlines vary and are often aligned with the university's admission application deadlines.

Earning a Master of Arts (M.A.) in History from Mississippi State University (MSU) opens up a wide array of career opportunities in diverse sectors. History graduates possess critical thinking, research, and communication skills that are highly valued by employers.  

1. Historian: Graduates can pursue careers as historians, working in academic institutions, museums, or historical societies. They conduct research, write books and articles, and contribute to our understanding of the past.

2. Archivist: Archivists are responsible for preserving and managing historical documents and records. They may work in libraries, museums, government agencies, or corporations, ensuring the safekeeping of valuable historical materials.

3. Curator: Curators work in museums and galleries, organizing and maintaining collections of historical artifacts, art, and documents. They often plan exhibitions and educational programs for the public.

4. Teacher or Professor: Graduates can become educators, teaching history at the secondary or post-secondary level. With additional qualifications, they can secure tenure-track positions as college or university professors.

5. Historical Researcher: Historical researchers are often employed by government agencies, private organizations, or law firms to investigate historical records and provide historical context for legal cases or policy decisions.

6. Historical Consultant: Some graduates work as historical consultants, providing expertise to businesses, government agencies, or film and media productions to ensure historical accuracy in their projects.

7. Librarian: Librarians in academic or public libraries often specialize in history, helping patrons access historical documents, conducting research, and curating historical collections.

8. Museum Educator: Museum educators develop educational programs and activities for museum visitors, helping people of all ages engage with history in a museum setting.

9. Cultural Resource Manager: Graduates may work in cultural resource management, preserving and protecting historical sites and artifacts in compliance with federal and state regulations.

10. Public Historian: Public historians often work in government positions, helping to interpret history for the public through exhibits, publications, and educational programs.

11. Editor or Writer: Graduates with strong writing skills can become historical writers or editors, contributing to historical publications, magazines, or online platforms.

12. Nonprofit Administrator: Many nonprofit organizations focused on history, preservation, or education require administrators to manage their operations, fundraising, and outreach efforts.

13. Government Analyst: Government agencies often employ historians to analyze historical data and provide context for policy decisions, legislation, or public initiatives.

14. Historical Preservationist: Graduates can work in the field of historical preservation, ensuring that historic buildings and landmarks are maintained and protected.

15. Research Analyst: Research analysts in various industries use their skills in data analysis and historical research to inform business strategies, public policy, or marketing decisions.

16. Genealogist: Genealogists help individuals and families trace their ancestry and create family histories, often working independently or as part of genealogy firms.

17. Historical Documentary Filmmaker: Some graduates with an interest in media and storytelling become historical documentary filmmakers, producing films that explore historical events or figures.

18. Heritage Tourism Specialist: Graduates may work in the tourism industry, promoting historical sites and destinations, or developing heritage tourism programs.

19. International Relations Specialist: History graduates with a focus on international history may pursue careers in diplomacy, international organizations, or global affairs analysis.

20. Entrepreneur: Some graduates leverage their research and writing skills to start their own businesses, such as historical consulting firms, publishing companies, or genealogy research services.