History (MA/MS) - Texas A&M University-Commerce

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Preserve the Past. Pursue the Future.

Earn your master’s degree in history from A&M-Commerce as you prepare for a career in academia, nonprofit or government.

Take a closer look at the past through our graduate program. From the Americas to Europe to the Pacific World, our flexible program lets you research what interests you. Our faculty's diverse specialties span across continents and centuries, offering a well-rounded, comprehensive curriculum. No matter your professional goals, we're here to support you along the way. We teach our students how to think critically and write well, two skills employers often look for. Earning your master's degree in history opens doors in academia, nonprofit, education and government.

Where It Is Offered Commerce

Duration 2-3 Years

Foreign Language Foreign language required for the MA degree

Delivery 40-50% Online, Face-To-Face

Total Credit Hours 36 Hours

Thesis Requirements Thesis and non-thesis options available

History students carefully reviewing book artifacts.

SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED WITH A master’s DEGREE IN HISTORY

Ricky Dobbs history professor standing in front of class.

Dedicated Faculty

Engage with exceptional faculty who will challenge your understanding of history. Our professors will teach you how to interpret the past and apply your knowledge to the present.

Two students looking over historical documents using gloves.

Engage the Community

Bring your historical knowledge to the public setting. The Department of History offers a graduate certificate and minor in Public History to prepare you for a variety of careers in museums, parks, archives and more.

A student present a history project to two teachers.

Education-Centered

Teachers matter. That’s why we created a master’s degree that incorporates their educational and professional goals. Whether you’re interested in teaching at the high school or dual credit level, our program is designed with you in mind.

Two people examining books in a library.

Explore the Past

The Special Collections at Gee Library houses a wide assortment of archival records related to the history of Northeast Texas. As a history student, you'll have access to these records for historical research.

Female student at desk reading a book with pen in hand.

Career Readiness

Thinking critically and communicating effectively. That's what employers are looking for. The College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts is dedicated to providing you the knowledge and resources for excelling in the workforce.

Focus Your Passion

The Department of History offers two different tracks towards earning your master's degree. Discover what option works best for your career interest and research goals.

Thesis (MA/MS History)

Interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in History? Our thesis track prepares you for the road ahead. Work alongside faculty as you conduct historical research and write a thesis. We offer access to a wide collection of historical journals, databases and archival records.
Total credit hours: 36

Non-thesis (MA/MS History)

Earn your master’s degree in history with our non-thesis track. Designed for educators and working professionals, this track provides a well-rounded historical education. Completing the non-thesis track opens doors to careers in higher education, nonprofit, education, museums and much more.
Total credit hours: 36

View Full Curriculum

Study What Interests You

Graduate Certificates

Earn a certificate as part of your graduate curriculum. Certificates recognize your skills and expand job opportunities.

Public History Graduate Certificate

This certificate helps you develop specific skills related to public history. The practical, theoretical and analytical training provided in the certificate program will enhance your ability to compete for jobs in museums, historical societies, cultural resource centers, parks and historic preservation.

Where It Is Offered Commerce

Duration

1 to 2 years

Foreign Language

No foreign language credits required

Delivery Face-To-Face

Total Credit Hours

12 hours

Thesis Requirements

No thesis required

Visit The Public History Graduate Certificate Page

Teaching History Graduate Certificate

You can become a certified early college or dual credit instructor with our Teaching History graduate certificate. Local school districts continue to expand their offerings of early college and dual credit history courses. There is a growing need for qualified teachers who can meet this need.

Where It Is Offered Commerce, Dallas, Mesquite, Online

Duration

12-24 months

Foreign Language

No foreign language credits required

Delivery Blended (50-85% Online), Face-To-Face

Total Credit Hours

18 hours

Thesis Requirements

No thesis required

Visit The Teaching History Graduate Certificate Page

Minors

Faculty Spotlight

Everything has a backstory. Nothing is unprecedented. Digging into the past is one of the best ways to understand the present.

Andrew Baker, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Graduate Adviser

History always interested me because it is about people. People do wonderful things, and terrible things, and figuring out why things happened and how they happened is exciting.

Mylynka Kilgore Cardona, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Public History Program Coordinator

what you will learn

A master’s degree in history will offer you the opportunity to:

Engage in discussions with peers and professors
Gain advanced knowledge in historical interpretation and theory
Learn how to present compelling arguments in academic papers
Participate in conferences and panel discussions
Conduct historical research

Historian examine an historical document.

Funding your Master’s Degree

Receive up to three years of funding by becoming a Graduate Assistant for the Department of History. Both Graduate Assistants for Research (GARs) and Graduate Assistants for Teaching (GATs) serve a vital role in supporting history faculty. Once you complete 18 hours of graduate coursework, GATs are eligible to develop and teach university-level history classes. You'll work with faculty supervisors as they guide, encourage and evaluate your progress.

Internship opportunities

Internship experience provides the foundation employers are often looking for. Graduates earning their Public History certificate are required to complete an internship as part of their curriculum. We encourage all students to pursue internship experience when available. These are just a few of the employers and organizations that offer opportunities to graduate students.

Careers

Become an engaged citizen and respected employee. Our graduate program prepares you for careers in museums, archives, nonprofit, education and beyond.

Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries

Historian

$48,800

Archivists, Curators and Museum Workers

$61,140

Editor

$59,480

Postsecondary Teacher

$78,470

School and Career Counselors

$56,310

US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018

Featured Courses

Global Seminar in World/Comparative History HIST 520

This course provides a focused and thorough analysis of a topic in World or Comparative History through reading and discussing the relevant historiography, and through guided student research.

Oral History Theory and Methods HIST 566

This course introduces the theory and practice of oral history. Students will engage with the central theoretical issues of the field, including the construction of memory, narrative, subjectivity, and structures of social power.

Readings in Transatlantic History HIST 526

This course covers the period from 1492 to the present. It focuses on scholarship that examines the interconnected histories of Europe, Africa, and the Americas, integrating them into a broader discussion of the world and global issues.

View Full Curriculum In The University Catalog

Course Delivery

Designed for full-time students and working professionals, our flexible program offers courses online and in-person at the main campus location. All in-person courses meet once a week in the evenings. You can take courses over the summer or during the fall and spring semesters.

Student Profiles

I came back to the department to discover what else I could do with a degree in history and learned that we offer a certificate in Public History. My career goals are now focused on finding a job within Public History like working in a museum.

Heather Rodriguez

Graduated 2019

Dr. Jessica Brannon-Wranosky helped me realize I was in love with history and that I wanted to make it my career. Dr. Andrew Baker constantly challenges me and makes me think about things from alternative perspectives. And Dr. Mylynka Cardona has …

Meredith “Grace” Slayter

Graduate Assistant of Research

Graduated 2019

Student Organizations

A&M-Commerce proudly hosts the Eta-Beta chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the National Honors Society for History. Phi Alpha Theta promotes research, teaching and publication to increase awareness and knowledge about history. The Eta-Beta chapter provides history students an academic community and professional development opportunities. The organization strives to bring our university's students and teachers together for intellectual and social exchanges related to the field and profession of history. Learn more about membership requirements by contacting Dr. Mylynka Cardona, Phi Alpha Theta Faculty Advisor.

Become a Member

Young woman smiling with students looking at historic photographs in the background.

Graduate Program Cost

PROGRAM COSTS

Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents.

Tuition Calculator

Financial Aid

Scholarships

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS International/Domestic Tabs

Admission

History (MA/MS) :: Program Admission Requirements US

Deadlines

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Your Path to Becoming a Lion

Step 1. Submit Application

Submit your application at tamuc.edu/apply.

Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”

Select “History, MA or History, MS” as your “Major.”

Pay the $50 application fee.

Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.

After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.

Provisional Status

After you submit your application, you may be granted provisional status, which means you can enroll in one semester of courses. You will not be eligible for financial aid until you submit all of your documents and are accepted into the program.

Step 2. Submit Documents

Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.

Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator, [email protected], unless otherwise specified below.

Official Transcripts

Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to [email protected].

We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.

All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.

We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.

If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.

Postal Alternative

If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011

We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Personal Statement

Describe your preparation for graduate work and your academic interests and goals in no more than 500 words.

Resume or CV

Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.

Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status

Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.

Rebecca Stevens Graduate Student Services Coordinator: College of Business, College of Humanities Social Sciences and Arts, and Non-Degree

Step 3. Apply for Financial Assistance

Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.

Step 4. Register for Classes

Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.

View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.

Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.

History (MA/MS) :: Program Admission Requirements International

Deadlines

Fall admission consideration: June 1
Spring admission consideration: October 15
Summer admission consideration: March 15

Your Path to Becoming a Lion

Step 1. Submit Application

Submit your application at tamuc.edu/apply.

Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”

Select “History, MA or History, MS” as your “Major.”

Pay the $75 application fee.

Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.

After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.

Step 2. Submit Documents

Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.

Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator, [email protected], unless otherwise specified below.

Official Transcripts

Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to:
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
2600 S. Neal St.
Commerce, Texas 75428

We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Transcript Evaluation

All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.

We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.

If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.

Personal Statement

Describe your preparation for graduate work, your academic interests, and goals in no more than 500 words.

Resume or CV

Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.

English Proficiency

You do not need to submit test scores if you have completed (all years) of a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States.

Request that your scores from one of the following be sent to Texas A&M University-Commerce:

TOEFL (Minimum Scores: IBT 79, or CBT 213, or PBT 550)
IELTS (Minimum Score: 6.00 band overall)
PTE (Minimum Score: 53 overall or higher)
Duo Lingo (Minimum Score: 105)

*Scores must be less than two years old.

Official Sponsor Documents

Submit these documents to the Office of International Programs once you have been admitted

Official sponsor statement
Bank statement from the sponsor with a balance of at least $26,025 USD which is less than 1 year old

Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status

Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.

Rebecca Stevens Graduate Student Services Coordinator: College of Business, College of Humanities Social Sciences and Arts, and Non-Degree

Step 3. Apply for Financial Assistance

Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.

Step 4. Register for Classes

Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.

View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.

Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Rebecca Stevens Graduate Student Services Coordinator: College of Business, College of Humanities Social Sciences and Arts, and Non-Degree

Sharon Kowalsky, Ph.D. Department Head, Gender Studies Coordinator and Associate Professor of History

Andrew Baker, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Graduate Adviser

Frequently Asked Questions

MA/MS, what’s the difference?

The MA (Master of Arts) and the MS (Master of Science) differ in a foreign language requirement. To pursue an MA, you need to meet one of the following conditions:

Successful completion of 12 undergraduate semester credit hours (approximately four courses) of a foreign language
Completion of 6 graduate semester credit hours (approximately two courses) of a foreign language
Demonstrate through a proficiency test in a foreign language
Completion of 3 semester hours above elementary courses if the student presents 3 or 4 years of high school credit
American Sign Language (ASL) is considered an acceptable foreign language. Students should consult with departmental Director of Graduate School regarding this requirement.