MA in History in College Station United States | Texas A&M University

The Department of History does not accept applicants pursuing solely an MA degree (often referred to as a terminal MA). Those admitted to the 96-hour PhD program earn their MA as part of their doctoral studies. The history department provides two pathways to complete the Master of Arts in history: a thesis track and a non-thesis alternative. MA candidates without prior credit for a modern foreign language (refer to Foreign Language Requirement) must fulfill this requirement before degree conferral. For comprehensive program policies and requirements, please review the Graduate Program Brochure. Thesis Track - This MA option mandates at least 24 course hours plus 6 research hours (History 691). Thesis students must specialize in multiple areas, though both may be within the department. Thesis work should ideally commence by the end of the first academic year. Students must submit a thesis proposal (preferably within their first year) and produce an original thesis, followed by a final oral defense. Non-Thesis Alternative - This MA path requires 36 course hours minimum, with at least 21 departmental hours and 9 additional hours in a supporting field. Non-thesis students must also specialize in multiple areas (both potentially within history) but cannot apply History 691 research hours toward their degree. Completion involves passing comprehensive written and oral exams alongside coursework requirements.