The Master of Arts degree program in History offers students the opportunity to study history and the historian's craft. The program is designed to serve the needs of the individual students as well as the educational and intellectual interests of San Antonio and South Texas. The program has two objectives: first, to give students an understanding of the discipline, and second, to involve them in the process of historical research and writing. Students will develop historical skills and expand their understanding of the conceptualization and practice of history.
UTSA's history M.A. program capitalizes on the strengths of our faculty by offering exposure to a wide variety of fields. All of our students take a series of core courses that focus explicit attention on historical comparisons and comparative historical frameworks. Students also choose a focus area in either U.S. or World History. Thesis and non-thesis degree plans are available. Students who anticipate graduate work beyond the master's level are advised to select the thesis option.
All applicants for admission as graduate degree-seeking students must have completed 18 semester credit hours in history (12 of which were upper-division level). Relevant coursework in other disciplines will be considered. Applicants must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 or combined math and verbal GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores of 1000 or above. Applicants are encouraged to submit a 500-word statement of purpose.
Applicants who meet University-wide admission requirements but who do not submit GRE scores at the time of application may be granted conditional admission until GRE scores are received. Applicants who do not meet University-wide admission requirements may be admitted conditionally if GRE scores, letters of recommendation, or previous work in the field suggest unrealized academic potential.
Applicants for admission as non-degree-seeking students (special graduate students or transient graduate students) need not submit GRE scores but should have completed at least 12 semester credit hours in history or a related field prior to application. Non-degree-seeking students may be limited in the courses they will be permitted to take. Admission as a non-degree-seeking student does not ensure subsequent admission as a degree-seeking student.
Applications are submitted online only. Please contact the Office of Graduate Studies for more information.
The Masters Program awards several scholarships and research assistantships to students who qualify because of merit and need. Other graduate assistantships and reader-grader or tutoring positions may be available through the University and the College of Liberal and Fine Arts