History, Public History Concentration, M.A.

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(30 UNITS)

Master of Arts in History

The Master of Arts in history provides a course of study for those whose interests are in teaching, business, government service and the professions, as well as for personal enrichment. It offers all the basic requirements for those who intend to pursue a doctoral degree upon the completion of their study at California State University, Fullerton.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. Please consult the Graduate Admissions section in this catalog for complete information. In addition, applicants must have, a grade-point average of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester units and a 3.0 grade-point average in upper-division history courses.

The application process involves three steps: completing an online form through the Cal State Apply System; submitting sealed, official transcripts to the CSUF Office of Admissions and Records; and submitting a statement of purpose and two letters of recommendation directly to the Department of History. The department’s graduate coordinator will evaluate the dossiers once they are complete. Students with deficiencies will be considered for admission only after they have completed courses approved by the coordinator.

Professional Development

To help prepare for a career upon graduation, students must complete one of the following:

Participate in approved career events through the CSUF Career Center, one’s employer or a third party
Join or view at least one Department of History career webinar for historians
Career preparation or continuing education in the student’s existing career path (approved by adviser), or attend a professional conference

Study Plan

Of the program’s 30 units, 18 must be at the 500-level. Each student drafts a study plan with a graduate coordinator and an adviser in the area of specialization during the first semester of study. A study plan must be filed before completing 13 units toward the degree.

Students choose between three culminating experiences: comprehensive exams in two fields; thesis; or project.

Required Courses (18 units)

HIST 501 - Theory and History (3)

Two of the following (6 units):

One of the following (3 units):

Skills Development (6 units)

3 units public/digital/oral history course
3 units adviser-approved course

Public History Concentration (12 units)

The Public History concentration prepares students to practice history in more public settings, such as museums, libraries, archives and classrooms. The coursework is more specialized and can culminate in a final project, thesis or exams. Students have particular access to and support from CSUF’s distinguished Center for Oral and Public History.

Each student drafts his or her study plan with the graduate coordinator and an adviser during the first semester of study.

Concentration Course (3 units)

HIST 596 - Graduate Internship in History (3)

Electives (3-9 units)

Culminating Experience (0-6 units)

Students choosing the comprehensive exam will develop specializations in two of the following fields: American; European; Latin American, Asian, African or Middle Eastern; or World History. A thematic field may be possible with the permission of the adviser.