MA Degree Program
The MA program of study in history is a flexible one that prepares students for a variety of careers. We expect full-time students to complete the degree in two academic years. Students who regard the MA as a terminal degree normally elect to fulfill its requirements by 33 hours of course enrollment without writing a thesis. Most of these students go on to teaching positions on the secondary and community college level; a smaller number enter government service at all levels; and some secure specialized positions in business, industry, and journalism. Those students preparing for teaching on the university level or related careers in research and writing should look upon the MA program as preparation for advanced graduate study. We thus urge them to write a thesis.
Program Requirements
A total of 33 hours. For the student electing to write a thesis, this includes 9 hours of thesis credit. No more than 9 hours of thesis credit may count toward the degree.
Only 6 hours of coursework at the 6000 level may count toward the degree, although we may accept 9 hours in special circumstances by petition to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies.
At least one 7000-level historiography course in any field and at least one HIST 7070.
Only 3 hours can be HIST 7012, although we may accept 6 hours in special circumstances by petition to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies. HIST 7991 does not count toward the degree.
No more than 6 hours may be taken, with the approval of the Coordinator of Graduate Studies, in a field outside history. Under special circumstances students may petition for up to an additional 6 hours.
No more than 24 hours may be taken in United States History, European History, or any one field of history, such as Ancient History.
A student who makes a grade of C+ or lower in six credits or more hours of course work will be dropped from the MA program, except under exceptional circumstances. No grade of C+ or lower may count toward the required number of credits.
An oral Comprehensive Examination over course work given by a committee chosen by the Graduate Advisor and the student. Online only students take a written exam instead.
For those who elect to write a thesis, approval by a department committee headed by the faculty member who directed the thesis. All theses are based upon primary research and are typically between 16,000 and 25,000 words in length. NOTE: Students electing to write a thesis should familiarize themselves with the Thesis/Dissertation Preparation Guide before starting to write.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
College of Arts and Sciences
107 Scates Hall,
MEMPHIS,
Tennessee,
38152, United States
Baccalaureate Degree: The applicant must provide an official transcript showing that a bachelor’s degree was awarded by an accredited college or university. If you are a UofM undergraduate student applying to Graduate School at UofM, you do not need to request that an official transcript be sent to Graduate Admissions. This office has access to your transcript. In addition, transcripts from any other college or university attended may be requested. Only transcripts received directly from an issuing institution are considered official. Personal copies are not acceptable as official documents.
GPA: The applicant must have earned an acceptable grade point average, typically a minimum of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0, but departments may make exceptions for students whose overall GPA does not adequately reflect their ability to succeed in their chosen field.
English proficiency test scores accepted by the University:
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
A degree from the University of Memphis is much more than a qualification. It is a community and an experience which prepares students for success.
