History Graduate Program

The department offers courses leading to the Master of Arts in history and the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in history. In addition, the department offers courses to meet the minor and support area requirements for degrees in other fields. Our graduate faculty has expertise in a variety of geographical and thematic areas.  We invite interested applicants to view the 'Graduate Faculty' page for more information. Students pursuing the MA in history may focus on one of several specializations and should consult with the graduate advisor in selecting coursework. In addition to the requirements set by the Office for Graduate Studies, students need to meet the following requirements:  

Applicants must have completed, or must complete as leveling work, 18 hours of undergraduate history courses, 9 hours must be advanced (3,000 & 4,000 level). To be admitted under clear admission, applicants must have at least a 2.75 g.p.a.  Applicants with a 2.5---2.74 g.p.a may be admitted under probationary status. Applicants need to submit a writing sample of at least five pages in length (on a history topic; paper should have full citations and must include a bibliography). Writing samples should either be research or historiographical in nature.

Submit a one-page statement of interest/purpose and submit official transcripts of all schools attended directly to the graduate school. Applicants also have to submit an online application.  Go to the Graduate School main website via panam.edu and click on "Apply Now" Please contact the Graduate Advisor (GA) if you have any questions: Dr. Sonia Hernandez, 956-381-3561 ext. 2323  or via email at shernandez11@utpa.edu

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Master of Arts in History

Degree Requirements

Two options are available to graduate students under the program. Option I requires 24 hours of directed coursework, including Hist 6300 and 6 hours in an outside discipline, as well as six hours of thesis preparation. Students will also defend their thesis. Option II requires 36 hours of directed coursework, including Hist 6300 and 6 hours in an outside discipline, and two comprehensive examinations. Students will select from either Option I or Option II. 

Option I: Thesis Option
Students enrolled in Option I will be required to complete 18 hours of history coursework, including HIST 6300.  Students will take 6 hours of non-history coursework in a single discipline (anthropology, sociology, computer science, etc.), and 6 hours of thesis preparation.  Total hours: 30 hours.

Option II: Non-Thesis Option
Students enrolled in Option II will be required to take 30 hours of 5000/6000-level history coursework, including HIST 6300, and 6 hours of non-history coursework in a single discipline (anthropology, sociology, computer science, etc.). The student will choose two reading areas in consultation with the GA and will be expected to take comprehensive examinations in both.  See section on "Comprehensive Examinations" below for more information.

Related Academic Areas
Related academic areas will include, but are not limited to, Political Science, English, Modern Languages and Literature/Spanish, Economics, Anthropology, Computer Science and Sociology. Students will confirm their choice of a related academic area with the GA.

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies-- Concentration in History

Candidates may elect one of two options to complete the Master of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in history.

Option I: Thesis Option
Thirty hours with 18 hours in history, including Hist 6300, and the thesis. Candidates must select the remaining 12 hours from two or more related fields such as Political Science, Sociology, English, Economics, Spanish, Education, Business, etc. Total hours 30.

Option II: Non-Thesis Option
Students will take 18 hours in history, with no more than half at the 5,000 level. Candidates must select the remaining 18 hours from two or more related fields, with no more than 12 hours in one area. Candidates must also pass a comprehensive examination administered by the department.  See section "Comprehensive Examinations" below for more information. Total hours 36.

Important Information for all Graduate Students

HIST 6300 Historiography and Historical Methods is required of all MA and MAIS History graduate students (SHOULD BE TAKEN DURING THE FIRST OR SECOND SEMESTER OF STUDY)

Required Courses for all MA and MAIS History Graduate Students in Thesis Option