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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.

Requirements for Graduation

Degree Requirements (30 units)

(Program Code: HIST)

Required Core Courses (15)
HIST 6001	Historical Thinking and Research	3
HIST 6002	Topics in Global/World History	3
HIST 6003	Topics in United States History	3
HIST 6004	The Historian's Craft	3
HIST 6005	Advanced Writing and Research in History Scholarship	3
Elective Courses (9)
Electives must include nine units in advisor-approved graduate-level content courses, a minimum of two (6 units) of which must be in history.		9
Cultural Skills Requirement (3)
In consultation with the Graduate Coordinator, students must complete a cultural skills requirement, which may be fulfilled in a variety of ways: 1) an examination on reading ability in a foreign language; 2) completion of a Study Abroad Program or other overseas program with a similar academic focus; 3) completion of an approved internship that fulfills the cultural skills requirement.		3
Culminating Project (3)		3
Total Units		30

Culminating Project (3 units)

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Students choose one of the following culminating project options:		3
HIST 6970	Thesis
An M.A. thesis is a research project that is based on primary evidence and demonstrates a student’s mastery of historical research methods. It should present an original argument and contribute to the field. The thesis must be approved by the student’s MA committee made up of two full-time faculty members.
HIST 6960	Graduate Project
The M.A. project is a cumulative project that is more practically based than the thesis option, that demonstrates historical research methods and contributes to the field. It must follow graduate manuscript guidelines and format requirements and be approved by the student’s MA committee made up of two full-time faculty members.
HIST 6940	Graduate Portfolio
The portfolio is a capstone project in lieu of the thesis or project that includes at least four academic writing samples made up of: 1) one historiographical essay written in one of the core 6000-level courses; and 2) one research essay based on primary sources and 25-35 pages in length, written with the goal of publication; 3) two historiographical essays written as part of take-home comprehensive examinations written in their final semester; and 4) a current resume or curriculum vitae. Students may also include a cultural skills reflection report if applicable. The portfolio will be evaluated by the student’s MA committee made up of two full-time faculty members.
Total Units		3