The program is designed to give general training at the graduate level in preparation for doctoral study or work in schools, government service, law, or the private sector; it is broadly concerned with skills development (written and oral) and advanced learning. While the master’s program does prepare students for entry into the doctoral program, it is equally aimed at enhancing the skills and historical perspective of teachers, museum and archive professionals, editors, lawyers, journalists, and others in the public and private sectors.

Location

• Storrs Campus

Modality

• In Person

Requirements

Master of Arts Requirements

The program is designed to give general training at the graduate level in preparation for doctoral study or work in schools, government service, law, or the private sector; it is broadly concerned with skills development (written and oral) and advanced learning. While the master’s program does prepare students for entry into the doctoral program, it is equally aimed at enhancing the skills and historical perspective of teachers, museum and archive professionals, editors, lawyers, journalists, and others in the public and private sectors. Upon admission to the program, the student is assigned a major advisor to chair an advisory committee. At least two associate advisors, chosen by the student, also serve on the committee. In consultation with this committee, the student plans a program that meets individual needs and satisfies the requirements of the Graduate School and the Department of History. This advisory committee will supervise the completion of either a thesis or a master’s examination, depending on the option chosen by the student. Students elect one of two programs in pursuing the Master’s degree. Both require a total of 30 credits.

Plan A: Thesis Plan Requirements

HIST 5101 Introduction to Historical Research, HIST 5102 Historical Research and Writing; 15 credits or more of additional course work; nine credits of Master’s Thesis Research (GRAD 5950 Master's Thesis Research or GRAD 5960 Full-Time Master's Research). Students may take up to six credits of 3000-4000 level course work, with special permission. Up to six credits of independent studies HIST 5199 Independent Study in History may be taken. In exceptional circumstances, students may petition the Graduate Advisory Committee for permission for additional independent studies. In addition, students must complete and successfully defend a master’s thesis.

Plan B: Non-thesis Plan Requirements

HIST 5101 Introduction to Historical Research, HIST 5102 Historical Research and Writing and 24 credits of additional coursework. Students may take up to six credits of 3000-4000 level course work, with special permission. Up to six credits of independent studies HIST 5199 Independent Study in History may be taken. In exceptional circumstances, students may petition the Graduate Advisory Committee for permission for additional independent studies. In addition, students must successfully pass a master’s examination, usually in their fourth semester.

Learning Objectives

1. Knowledge: Demonstrate appropriate breadth and depth of disciplinary knowledge and comprehension of the major topics, theories, and issues of the discipline.
2. Research/Applied skills: Uses, disaggregates, reformulates and/or adapts principal ideas, techniques or methods of the field of study and, where appropriate, create new knowledge or achieve advanced creative accomplishments.
3. Communication: Communicate proficiently and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences, verbally and in writing, a coherent argument or explanation summarizing aspects of the discipline.
4. Ethics/Professional behavior: Conduct themselves in accordance with the highest ethical and responsible standards, values, and, where these are defined, the best practices of the discipline.