Joint Master of Arts in History
The Department of History offers a Joint Master of Arts degree in association with a partner institution abroad.
This degree requires two years of study. Students will complete a year’s study (at least 18 credits with a minimum 3.3 GPA) at Central Michigan University and a one-year diploma sequence of courses at a partner institution. Students entering the program at a partner institution will receive one year's credit towards the Joint M.A. for completion of a final post-baccalaureate program entirely in history at a partner institution with the equivalent of a 3.3 GPA. They will then complete the requirements for the Joint M.A. with a prescribed year of study at Central Michigan University. Certain rules govern the combined two-year program:
- No more than 50 percent of a student's coursework may be in a single national field.
- All students must write at least two research papers suitable for filing as evidence of scholarly achievement, 7,000-10,000 words: one completed in a research seminar at CMU and one completed at a partner institution.
It is strongly recommended that students develop a reading knowledge of at least one language other than English or an appropriate research tool such as statistics.
Admission Requirements, Retention and Termination Standards
Successful applicants will have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with at least 20 hours of history or related courses with a GPA of 3.3 or higher.
Students must complete all application materials prior to January 3 for admission to the program in the upcoming fall. Admission is competitive.
Required Courses I (18 Hours)
At Central Michigan University: 18 hours of which 12 hours must be at the 600 level or above, including 3 hours in a research seminar at the 700 level, one colloquium in transnational and comparative history (3 hours) and a second colloquium (3 hours). A maximum of 6 hours in cognate disciplines will be accepted if approved by the student's CMU and partner institution's advisors.
Year at CMU
As evidence of scholarship, students must submit a research paper for a permanent file. This paper must be prepared in connection with a research seminar, an independent research course, or a graduate-level course in the Department of History. The paper must receive a minimum grade of B. In addition and normally after revision, the paper must be accepted by the professor responsible for the course as satisfactory for permanent filing. The paper must be well written and presented in a proper scholarly format. Its conclusions must rest on interpretation of a substantial body of primary sources. A minimum length of 7,500 words is suggested. Up to 3 hours of credit may be earned for a practicum course in teaching history at the college level.
Required Courses II (18 Hours)
At a partner institution abroad: 18 hours (equivalent) including major research paper/dissertation of 7,500 words or more (equivalent to a 700-level seminar requirement at CMU).
Year Abroad
The student must complete courses based on the partner institution's post baccalaureate course requirements. General expectations include one course of study in historical methodology if they have not taken such a course at CMU (3-6 hours equivalent), one research seminar paper/dissertation of 7,000-10,000 words (3 hour equivalent) and 9-12 hours (equivalent) of additional course work or directed study.
Total: 36 Semester Hours
For more information regarding applications and funding opportunities, including university and department fellowships and assistantships, please go to Graduate Funding.
For other questions or inquiries, please contact:
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of History
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859
phone: (989) 774-1090
e-mail: tach@cmich.edu