The M.A. program is designed for students who want to extend their undergraduate knowledge of historical issues, prepare for positions in historically related fields, or teach at the secondary or community college levels. Our master’s students use their training in a variety of professions.
Coursework
The M.A. degree in History requires students to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours. All students must take at least three 600-level reading seminars and two 700-level research seminars.
Students complete a “master’s essay” while taking HIST 756 (directed research) at the end of the program. The master’s essay is an original research project employing primary sources that builds upon work begun in the 700-level research seminars. Other requirements for the M.A. include completion of two field essays as the M.A. comprehensive examination and demonstration of at least average proficiency in a foreign language for students studying areas where English is not predominant or who plan to pursue a Ph.D. When appropriate, quantitative skills may be substituted for the language requirement.
For a comprehensive introduction to graduate work at NIU, consult the graduate catalog.