History MA Program

Texas A & M provides two options for achieving the MA degree, Thesis or Non-thesis. The university limits students to completing the degree within seven consecutive years (at the time of the final examination) regardless of the option chosen. Both options require a reading knowledge of at least one foreign language (the equivalent of two years of college study with a B or better for the last year).

See Language Requirements  for more detail.

Non-Thesis Option

The MA degree, non-thesis option, requires a minimum of 36 hours of coursework. A minimum of 21 hours must be taken within the department with at least 9 more hours taken in a supporting field (i.e., major 21-27 hours, minor 9-15 hours). An MA non-thesis student must have more than one area of specialization, but both may be within history. However, the MA non-thesis student may not use any History 691 (research) hours on the degree plan (i.e., taking 691 does not help you progress). The student receives the MA degree upon completion of the required coursework and passing comprehensive written and oral examinations. The non-thesis option allows you to move into your PhD studies at A & M more quickly and gives you experience in written and oral final examinations.

Thesis Option

The MA degree, thesis option, requires a minimum of 24 hours of coursework (15 hours major and 9 hours minor) and at least 6 hours of research (History 691). The MA thesis student must take more than one area of specialization, but both areas may be within the department. Ideally, work on a thesis should begin no later than the end of the student's first year of study. The student must file a thesis proposal, preferably by the completion of the first year of study, and complete an original thesis. Upon completion of the thesis, the student must pass a final oral examination or defense.

The Thesis Office must receive three copies of the thesis, and the final copy must be submitted no later than one year from the final examination or within the seven-year limit, whichever comes first. The Thesis Clerk must approve the thesis before A&M grants the degree. Be sure to meet all relevant deadlines in the preparation, defense, and submission of your thesis, or your degree may be delayed one semester. Writing a thesis allows you to practice individual research and writing skills. The thesis serves as a termination point for study at A&M if you so choose.