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The MA in History at California State University, San Bernardino offers students the opportunity to further their study of history in an innovative, active, and rigorous program. It is intended to train future historians and promote the professional, career, and personal goals of its student population. It is designed to provide students a comprehensive understanding of the historical origins of the contemporary and increasingly globalized world. Aspiring historians, current social studies teachers, and professionals that want to immerse themselves in the study of history will acquire a sophisticated understanding of current historical practice. The MA in History offers students the opportunity to go substantially beyond their undergraduate coursework, obtain advanced research, critical analysis, and writing skills, and gain a comprehensive and global understanding of the history profession.  

1. A baccalaureate degree in history or closely related field from an accredited college or university.  The baccalaureate degree must have included at least six upper-division courses in history;
2. A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.5 overall and at least 3.0 ("B") in the student's undergraduate major.  In addition, applications must have obtained an overall 3.0 GPA or higher in upper-division history courses, or a bachelor’s degree with 18 units of upper-division courses in history.  These courses must be comparable to those required of a major in history at this University.  
3.  A brief statement (one to two double-spaced typewritten pages) describing the applicant's preparation for graduate study and professional goals;
4. A writing sample (at least 10 pages but not to exceed 25 pages) that demonstrates the applicant's ability to write analytical prose, to construct a reasoned argument based upon evidence, and to create a context for assessing the significance of what has been presented. 
5. Three letters of recommendation, with at least two from former professors. Letters should come directly from the recommenders or be included in a placement file. It is the applicant's responsibility to determine if letters have been received. It is assumed that students who request confidential letters to be submitted on their behalf have waived their right to view those letters as per FERPA (1974) requirements to maximize the confidentiality and integrity of the letters of reference. received. Applicants who do not wish to waive their right to view those letters are responsible for letting their letter-writers know in advance that they retain their right to view meet the letters. 

1. Achieved classified status;
2. Secured a graduate advisor to supervise the course of study and a second faculty member for their advisory committee;  
3. Completed the first four core courses (HIST 6001, 6002, 6003, 6004: 12 units) of graduate course work and achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.0 ("B") in those courses; 
4. Satisfied the Graduate Writing Requirement with completion of at least one paper in the program that satisfies the program-specific Graduate Writing Requirement (GWR) rubric at the "meets expectations" or "exceeds expectations" level (see Graduate Coordinator for more information).
5. Filed a graduate program plan approved by the student's advisor and the coordinator of the program;
6. Students who choose the thesis or project option must have filed a thesis or project proposal approved by all members of the student's graduate advisory committee.