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Master’s Degree in History (M.A.): Online and On-Campus
Master’s Degree in History (M.A.): Online and On-Campus
The Master's degree program offered by Indiana State University’s Department of History is designed to fulfill a variety of academic and professional objectives. The program facilitates preparation for entry into doctoral programs in history and for teaching at the university, community college, and secondary levels. Graduate work in history also provides an excellent background for careers in law, business, government service, and writing, and for specialized work as a museum curator, librarian, archivist, editor, historic site specialist, and research historian. Normally broad in its academic scope, the Master's degree program in history is also sufficiently flexible to meet the needs of individual students. The program can be completed either on campus or online. Both options require 33 credit hours which can be completed in two years of full-time study or in about three to five years of part-time study. Typical courses include intensive reading, research, and writing assignments combined with discussion boards and/or synchronous online meetings. The online Master’s degree is designed to meet the needs of educators and working students.
The program also offers an 18-hour Certificate in History specifically geared toward high school teachers in need of a credential for promotion and/or to teach college-level dual-credit history courses. It will meet the needs of working professionals who need 18 credits, non-specified, at the graduate-level in history. Students will choose topics of interest among a variety of courses, but they must complete six credits at the 600-level, including a course in research and methods. All courses will be offered on an online platform. Students who wish to continue in the Master’s program may do so if they hold a 3.5 grade point average or higher upon completion of the certificate.
Application Procedures
The Department of History evaluates applications on a rolling basis, but applicants seeking Graduate Assistantships must apply no later than September 15 for the following spring and April 1 for the following fall. Likewise, students applying for academic scholarships must do so through the Office of Scholarships’ Branch portal by March 1. The entire application process must be completed online through the ISU Graduate Studies office. To begin the process, click the "Apply Now" button on the College of Graduate and Professional Studies’ homepage: https://www.indstate.edu/cgps/graduate.
Admissions Criteria:
The Department of History encourages applicants with an undergraduate major or minor in history or similar area and a corresponding GPA of 3.0 or higher to apply to its Master’s degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- A personal statement addressing the applicant’s experience with history and/or closely related field, areas of historical interest, and reasons for applying to the master’s program.
- A writing sample, preferably a research paper that demonstrates ability in historical research and analysis.
- Two letters of recommendation, preferably from those with experience in history.
- All forms and fees required by the Indiana State University’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies, including official transcripts (https://www.indstate.edu/cgps).
The application process is selective. The Department takes all of these materials into account when making its decisions and relies upon the expertise of its faculty to determine whether applicants meet the standards required of the discipline.
Financial Aid, Fellowships, and Scholarships:
Graduate Assistantships are awarded each year, usually in the fall, to outstanding applicants. Contact the Graduate Program Coordinator to apply. Grants, loans, and work-study programs are also available.
KENNETH L. SMITH AND THERESA KATHRYN (KLEIN) SMITH MASTERS IN HISTORY SCHOLARSHIP
Awarded to student(s) pursuing a degree in History at Indiana State University. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA. Established in 2021 by alumnus Kenneth L. Smith. Apply through the Branch portal.
GERTRUDE AND THEODORE DEBS MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIPS
Awarded annually (and renewable for a second year) to support the study the history of American labor and social reform movements, fellowships range between $8000-$20,000 per year. Recipients also may apply for a tuition waiver. The application requires a 750-word statement addressing your interest in the history of American labor and/or social reform movements, what you hope to accomplish through graduate study, and your ultimate educational and professional goals. Apply through the Branch portal.
FORT HARRISON CHAPTER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION SCHOLARSHIP
Given by the Fort Harrison Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to an ISU student (graduate or undergraduate) who has demonstrated knowledge and interest in United States history or related area. Established in 1986. Apply through the Branch portal.
DR. CHARLES ROLL HISTORY AWARD
Given to the year’s outstanding graduate student in History. Established in 1982 by colleagues, friends, and family in memory of Dr. Charles Roll, professor of History from 1913-1951. Apply through the Branch portal.
Graduate Coordinator:
Dr. Barbara Skinner
Barbara.Skinner@indstate.edu
812-237-2722