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    4. Graduate Programs

    History (M.A.)

    UNG's Master of Arts with a major in history degree program is dedicated to preparing serious and creative professional historians. The master’s degree prepares students who plan to pursue a Ph.D. in History or a related field, such as Library Science, Museum Studies, Historical Preservation, and other graduate degrees. Alternatively, many students use their knowledge of history in the public information sector, in secondary education, or at the two-year college level.

    We offer students a rich intellectual environment, unique local research resources, and numerous opportunities for professional development outside the classroom. Our students develop research and analytical skills that allow them to advance in their profession or begin to explore a career in history.

    Explore how the past has shaped the present and apply that knowledge to your future!

    Request Information Apply

    History (M.A.) Program Quick Facts

    • Dahlonega & Gainesville Campuses
    • Program length 30 credit hours
    • With or without thesis option
    • Face-to-face and limited online courses
    • Courses offered within a two-year rotation
    • Choice of research interests

    Program Application Deadlines

    If program capacity is met prior to established admission deadlines, we will stop accepting applications for admission and cancel remaining incomplete applicants.

    All application materials are to be received prior to the deadline. Completing your application earlier is better.

    Fall Deadline

    • Early Decision: March 1
    • Regular Decision: May 1

    The program will review all completed applications and release admissions decisions for the upcoming fall cohort starting in April.

    Spring Deadline

    • Early Decision: October 1
    • Regular Decision: December 1

    The program will review all completed applications and release admissions decisions for the upcoming summer cohort starting in November.

    Summer Deadline

    • Early Decision: March 1
    • Regular Decision: May 1

    The program will review all completed applications and release admissions decisions for the upcoming summer cohort starting in April.

    Why Study History at UNG?

    The History (M.A.) is not just for those aspiring to become historians or teachers. This degree is designed to prepare you for advancement in both private and public sectors. Our creative and dynamic faculty engage in a provide you with skills designed to help in a variety of career choices that require problem solving skills.

    Our program provides training in the theoretical and methodological elements of the discipline of history; advanced research techniques and analysis; and oral, written, and multi-media communication skills. You will develop and strengthen skills in information literacy; the ability to find information and to use it effectively.

    Professional Development Opportunities

    UNG has built relationships with the Northeast Georgia History Center and other local institutions and encourages graduate students to pursue internships for course credit that contribute to their career goals. We also host professional development workshops featuring professionals using their historical skills in various fields including:

    • Museum Studies
    • Preservation and Conservation
    • Legal Studies
    • Education and Pedagogy
    • and many others

    Graduate Assistantship Opportunities

    The department has graduate assistantship opportunities that allow students to hone their professional skills.

    Teaching assistants have helped instruct World History surveys and upper division courses like History of Ancient Rome.

    Research assistants have helped in the research and writing of textbooks, developed history-focused social media campaigns, and conducted archival research for book projects.

    How to Apply to UNG's History (M.A.) Program

    • Degree Seeking Regular

      Requirements

      • Baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) with at least a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) calculated in accordance with Graduate Admissions procedures.
      • Anthropology, history, international affairs, philosophy, political science, or other appropriate majors at the undergraduate level. Students may be required to take some core history courses at the undergraduate level for preparation for graduate study.
      • Required Supplemental Documents
        • Three letters of recommendation from undergraduate professors or other references able to comment on the applicant’s writing ability and the potential for successful graduate study.
        • Writing sample, such as a research paper that displays the applicant’s analytical abilities and work with primary and secondary sources.
        • A one-two page personal statement commenting on your area of historical interest, preference for the thesis or non-thesis track, your preparation for graduate study and educational/career goals.

      Applying to UNG

      • Step 1Application and Application Fee
      • Step 2Official Transcripts
      • Step 3Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.
      • Step 4Graduate Assistants
      • Step 5Persons Aged 62 or Over

      Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions.

      Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

      • Non-refundable application fee of $40.
      • Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.
      • Include a check or money order payable to UNG when submitting a paper application.
      • Required supplemental documents may be uploaded with your application or emailed to grads@ung.edu.

      Submit one set of official transcripts from each institution attended for all course work, undergraduate and graduate level.

      • Transfer credit posted on records of other institutions is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from original institutions. Please request a transcript from each institution attended.
      • Transcripts that have been opened, scanned or forwarded by email are not official and will not be accepted.
      • Official paper transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution and mailed to University of North Georgia Admissions Imaging Center, P.O. Box 1358, Gainesville, GA 30503-1358. Student paper transcripts are accepted only when issued to the student in a sealed envelope and submitted to Graduate Admissions unopened.
      • Official electronic transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution to grads@ung.edu. Depending on the transcript service you are using, grads@ung.edu may not be an available option. You may then select any admissions or undergraduate admissions @ung.edu address. Electronic transcripts forwarded via email from the student are not accepted.
      • International transcripts must have a course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). Evaluations must be sent directly from the agency to the Admissions office. Refer to the evaluator website for a full list of NACES or AICE members. Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's course work and degrees earned are equivalent to course work and degrees earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) and include a cumulative grade point average. Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate Admissions. Evaluations must include certification that the applicant has received a baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) with a minimum grade point average of 2.75. 
      • Graduate Admissions will retrieve transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at UNG. You do not need to order official transcripts from UNG.

      Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.

      Board of Regents’ policy requires all applicants accepted for admission or readmission to UNG seeking in-state for tuition classification provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the state of Georgia and the United States.

      Learn More

      Interested in applying for a graduate assistant position at UNG? 

      • Visit UNG's Job Site and select Grad Assistant to view available positions. 
      • When prompted on the Graduate Admissions application, select "Yes" to be added to our email communications about upcoming positions. 
      • Graduate assistants are required to have health insurance. For additional information, visit USG Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

      Submit a birth certificate or Georgia driver’s license to enable UNG to determine eligibility.
      • Must be a resident of Georgia and 62 years of age or older at the time of registration.
      • May enroll as a regular or auditing student in courses on a “space available” basis without payment of fees, except for supplies, laboratory or shop fees.

      Learn More

    • Degree Seeking Provisional

      Applicants who do not meet regular status requirements may qualify for provisional admission.

      Requirements

      • Baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) with at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (4.0 scale) calculated in accordance with Graduate Admissions procedures.
      • Anthropology, history, international affairs, philosophy, political science, or other appropriate majors at the undergraduate level. Students may be required to take some core history courses at the undergraduate level for preparation for graduate study.
      • Required Supplemental Documents
        • Three letters of recommendation from undergraduate professors or other references able to comment on the applicant’s writing ability and the potential for successful graduate study.
        • Writing sample, such as a research paper that displays the applicant’s analytical abilities and work with primary and secondary sources.
        • A one-two page personal statement commenting on your area of historical interest, preference for the thesis or non-thesis track, your preparation for graduate study and educational/career goals.

      Provisional degree-seeking students

      • may register for a maximum of nine semester hours of graduate credit.
      • will be reviewed to determine eligibility for regular admission following completion of the first semester enrolled.
      • are not eligible for federal financial aid while enrolled in courses as a provisional student.
      • will not be allowed to continue in the program if a grade of C or lower is earned in any graduate course.
      • may apply for readmission after three semesters from the date removed from the program because of a deficient grade by submitting a new application to Graduate Admissions with a letter addressed to the program coordinator requesting readmission.

      Applying to UNG

      • Step 1Application and Application Fee
      • Step 2Official Transcripts
      • Step 3Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.
      • Step 4Graduate Assistants
      • Step 5Persons Aged 62 or Over

      Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions.

      Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

      • Non-refundable application fee of $40.
      • Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.
      • Include a check or money order payable to UNG when submitting a paper application.
      • Required supplemental documents may be uploaded with your application or emailed to grads@ung.edu.

      Submit one set of official transcripts from each institution attended for all course work, undergraduate and graduate level.

      • Transfer credit posted on records of other institutions is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from original institutions. Please request a transcript from each institution attended.
      • Transcripts that have been opened, scanned or forwarded by email are not official and will not be accepted.
      • Official paper transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution and mailed to University of North Georgia Admissions Imaging Center, P.O. Box 1358, Gainesville, GA 30503-1358. Student paper transcripts are accepted only when issued to the student in a sealed envelope and submitted to Graduate Admissions unopened.
      • Official electronic transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution to grads@ung.edu. Depending on the transcript service you are using, grads@ung.edu may not be an available option. You may then select any admissions or undergraduate admissions @ung.edu address. Electronic transcripts forwarded via email from the student are not accepted.
      • International transcripts must have a course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). Evaluations must be sent directly from the agency to the Admissions office. Refer to the evaluator website for a full list of NACES or AICE members. Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's course work and degrees earned are equivalent to course work and degrees earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) and include a cumulative grade point average. Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate Admissions. Evaluations must include certification that the applicant has received a baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) with a minimum grade point average of 2.75. 
      • Graduate Admissions will retrieve transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at UNG. You do not need to order official transcripts from UNG.

      Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.

      Board of Regents’ policy requires all applicants accepted for admission or readmission to UNG seeking in-state for tuition classification provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the state of Georgia and the United States.

      Learn More

      Interested in applying for a graduate assistant position at UNG? 

      • Visit UNG's Job Site and select Grad Assistant to view available positions. 
      • When prompted on the Graduate Admissions application, select "Yes" to be added to our email communications about upcoming positions. 
      • Graduate assistants are required to have health insurance. For additional information, visit USG Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

      Submit a birth certificate or Georgia driver’s license to enable UNG to determine eligibility.
      • Must be a resident of Georgia and 62 years of age or older at the time of registration.
      • May enroll as a regular or auditing student in courses on a “space available” basis without payment of fees, except for supplies, laboratory or shop fees.

      Learn More

    • Non-Degree

      An applicant interested in taking graduate courses in history, but not interested in pursuing a graduate degree, may apply as a non-degree graduate student.

      Requirements

      • Baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) with at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (4.0 scale) calculated in accordance with Graduate Admissions procedures.
      • Students must receive pre-approval from the M.A. History program coordinator before enrolling in courses.
      • Anthropology, history, international affairs, philosophy, political science or other appropriate majors at the undergraduate level.
      • Two letters of recommendation from undergraduate professors or other references able to comment on the applicant's writing ability and the potential for successful graduate study.

      Non-degree students

      • may register for no more than nine semester hours of graduate credit.
      • will not be allowed to continue in the graduate level history courses if a grade of C or lower in any graduate course is earned.
      • may apply for readmission after three semesters from the date removed from the program because of a deficient grade by submitting a new application to Graduate Admissions with a letter addressed to the program coordinator requesting readmission.
      • are not eligible for federal financial aid.
      • must submit a new application to Graduate Admissions and meet all program admission requirements if the student later decides to pursue a Master of Arts with a major in History degree at UNG.

      Applying to UNG

      • Step 1Application and Application Fee
      • Step 2Official Transcripts
      • Step 3Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.
      • Step 4Persons Aged 62 or Over

      Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions.

      Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

      • Non-refundable application fee of $40.
      • Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.
      • Include a check or money order payable to UNG when submitting a paper application.
      • Required supplemental documents may be uploaded with your application or emailed to grads@ung.edu.

      Submit one set of official transcripts from each institution attended for all course work, undergraduate and graduate level.

      • Transfer credit posted on records of other institutions is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from original institutions. Please request a transcript from each institution attended.
      • Transcripts that have been opened, scanned or forwarded by email are not official and will not be accepted.
      • Official paper transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution and mailed to University of North Georgia Admissions Imaging Center, P.O. Box 1358, Gainesville, GA 30503-1358. Student paper transcripts are accepted only when issued to the student in a sealed envelope and submitted to Graduate Admissions unopened.
      • Official electronic transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution to grads@ung.edu. Depending on the transcript service you are using, grads@ung.edu may not be an available option. You may then select any admissions or undergraduate admissions @ung.edu address. Electronic transcripts forwarded via email from the student are not accepted.
      • International transcripts must have a course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). Evaluations must be sent directly from the agency to the Admissions office. Refer to the evaluator website for a full list of NACES or AICE members. Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's course work and degrees earned are equivalent to course work and degrees earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) and include a cumulative grade point average. Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate Admissions. Evaluations must include certification that the applicant has received a baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) with a minimum grade point average of 2.75. 
      • Graduate Admissions will retrieve transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at UNG. You do not need to order official transcripts from UNG.

      Board of Regents’ policy requires all applicants accepted for admission or readmission to UNG seeking in-state for tuition classification provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the state of Georgia and the United States.

      Learn More

      Submit a birth certificate or Georgia driver’s license to enable UNG to determine eligibility.
      • Must be a resident of Georgia and 62 years of age or older at the time of registration.
      • May enroll as a regular or auditing student in courses on a “space available” basis without payment of fees, except for supplies, laboratory or shop fees.

      Learn More

    • Transient

      A student currently enrolled at an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) as a graduate student in good standing may apply to UNG as a transient student.

      • Permission to take courses does not indicate or imply subsequent admission into the program.
      • Students must receive pre-approval from the M.A. History program coordinator before enrolling in courses.
      • Requests will be considered on a space-available basis.
      • Admission is for one semester only.
      • Students who wish to return as a transient student for a subsequent semester must re-apply through Graduate Admissions.
      • Students may be required to submit an official transcript from the home institution in order to verify adequate prerequisite knowledge/skills.

      Applying to UNG

      • Step 1Application and Application Fee
      • Step 2Transient Permission
      • Step 3Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.

      Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions.

      Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

      • Non-refundable application fee of $40.
      • Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.
      • Include check or money order payable to UNG when submitting a paper application.

      Submit a letter of good standing or transient permission form documenting that the student is not on academic probation or suspension or on disciplinary suspension at his/her home institution.

      Note: The letter or form should indicate the course(s) the student is being allowed to take at UNG.

      Board of Regents’ policy requires all applicants accepted for admission or readmission to UNG seeking in-state for tuition classification provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the state of Georgia and the United States.

      Learn More

    • All International

      An international student is someone who has not been granted or does not have U.S. citizenship or permanent U.S. residency.  In order for these students to study in the United States, they must obtain an F-1 visa.  International applicants must enroll for at least nine hours per semester, excluding summer semester, and may only enroll in up to three hours of online (distance education) coursework per semester.  International applicants must be accepted as degree-seeking.

      Requirements

      • Baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) with at least a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) calculated in accordance with Graduate Admissions procedures.
      • Anthropology, history, international affairs, philosophy, political science, or other appropriate majors at the undergraduate level. Students may be required to take some core history courses at the undergraduate level for preparation for graduate study.
      • Required Supplemental Documentation
        • Three letters of recommendation from undergraduate professors or other references able to comment on the applicant’s writing ability and potential for successful graduate study.
        • Writing sample, such as a research paper that displays the applicant’s analytical abilities and work with primary and secondary sources.
        • A one-two page personal statement commenting on your area of historical interest, preference for the thesis or non-thesis track, your preparation for graduate study and educational/career goals.

      Applying to UNG

      • Step 1Application and Application Fee
      • Step 2Official Transcripts
      • Step 3Proof of English Proficiency
      • Step 4Immunization Form
      • Step 5Additional International Student Requirements

      Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions.

      Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

      • Non-refundable application fee of $40.
      • Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.
      • Include a check or money order payable to UNG when submitting a paper application.
      • Required supplemental documents may be uploaded with your application or emailed to grads@ung.edu.

      Submit one set of official transcripts from each institution attended for all course work, undergraduate and graduate level.

      • Transfer credit posted on records of other institutions is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from original institutions.
      • Transcripts that have been opened, scanned or forwarded by email are not official and will not be accepted.
      • Official paper transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution and mailed to University of North Georgia Admissions Imaging Center, P.O. Box 1358, Gainesville, GA 30503-1358. Student paper transcripts are accepted only when issued to the student in a sealed envelope and submitted to Graduate Admissions unopened.
      • Official electronic transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution to grads@ung.edu. Electronic transcripts forwarded via email from the student are not accepted.
      • International transcripts must have a course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES)or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). Evaluations must be sent directly from the agency to the Admissions office. Refer to the evaluator website for a full list of NACES or AICE members. Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's course work and degrees earned are equivalent to course work and degrees earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) and include a cumulative grade point average. Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate Admissions. Evaluations must include certification that the applicant has received a baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) with a minimum grade point average of 2.75. 
      • Graduate Admissions will retrieve transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at UNG. You do not need to order official transcripts from UNG.
      • If you completed your undergraduate degree at UNG and then attended another institution, request official transcripts only from schools attended after graduating from UNG.

      English proficiency is required

      Proficiency can be proven as follows:

      • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores if applicant's native language is not English.
      • Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Personal copies and photocopies are NOT accepted.
      • TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two calendar years from the test date.
      • UNG accepts MyBest™ scores for the TOEFL iBT® test, in addition to TOEFL iBT scores from a single test date.
      • Required minimum scores:
        • TOEFL internet based - 79
        • IELTS - 6.5

      -or-

      • An official evaluation by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) member indicating proof of a degree at the secondary or collegiate level either outside or inside the U.S. where English is the official language of academic instruction. If the NACES evaluation does not indicate English as the official language of academic instruction, request an official letter from the institution to be sent directly to UNG with this information, or direct this office to where it is stated on the institution's website.

      -or-

      • Proof of completion of the equivalent of English 1101 and/or 1102 with a grade of C or better in one or both courses, at a regionally accredited U.S. institution. 

      -or-

      • Other approved exams and recommended standards as stated by the USG English Proficiency Requirements.
        • Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Personal copies and photocopies are NOT accepted.

      • UNG requires immunizations of all students attending courses on any UNG campus or campus managed facility.
      • Download the UNG certificate of immunization and have it completed by a health care provider.
      • Titer test is available through your physician or local health department and may be submitted to confirm the required immunities.
      • Exemptions may apply on religious or medical grounds.

      The following are required if accepted, or if applying within five months of the start of the term.
      • Financial Affidavit

        It is the applicant's responsibility to demonstrate that sufficient funding is available to meet all university and living expenses for the course of study.

        • Download and complete the Financial Affidavit. You may email the completed form to grads@ung.edu.
        • Sources of financial support in the form of a bank issued letter or bank statement verifying that the applicant has a sum of at least $48,500 USD for the first academic year, exclusive of travel expenses, are required. You may email an original bank issued letter or bank statement to grads@ung.edu. 
        • Sources of financial support should equal what is reported in your Financial Affidavit.
        • All banking information must be in English. Certified bank letters are preferred. If submitting a bank statement, only official bank statements will be accepted. We are unable to accept a printout of online banking transaction history, online account summaries or online statements.
        • Check exchange rates.
      • Visa Documents

        All international applicants, please submit copies of:

        • Complete the Application for Visa Certificate (PDF) and email to grads@ung.edu
        • Passport if available

        If you are currently residing in the United States, please submit copies of:

        • Visa/I-94 (front and back)
        • I-20
        • Passport
      • Student Health Insurance

        International students are required to have health insurance. Visit the Center for Global Engagement's (CGE) website for additional information.

    • Appeal of Graduate Admission

      A candidate whose application is denied has the right to appeal the decision. A written letter of appeal must include strong evidence to support the basis for your appeal. The appeal should consist of information beyond what was previously submitted in your admissions file and detail your ability to be successful in graduate studies.

      • Students whose appeals are granted will be admitted as provisional students.
      • Students are not eligible for financial aid while taking courses under a provisional admission status.
      • Students may not appeal for regular admission.

      Email your letter of appeal as a pdf attachment to grads@ung.edu.

    Start Your Application Learn More About Graduate Admissions

    Learn More the History (M.A.) Program

    • Language Requirements
    • FAQs
    • Degrees Awarded

    All candidates for the Thesis Track Master of Arts with a major in History must demonstrate competency in one language in addition to English. Capstone Track students are exempt.

    The language competency requirement is met by taking a translation examination (500 words) administered by the department before the student can advance to the thesis-writing stage, usually between their second and third semesters. The language exam takes two hours with a dictionary allowed. The translation exam may be attempted three times. 

    If a student has completed four semesters of a foreign language, or the equivalent, within the last five years at a university or community college, the student is eligible to take the translation exam with no further coursework. For a non-European language, the student should consult with his/her primary professor concerning minimum skill level to qualify for the translation exam.

    If a student’s foreign language hours are more than five years old, the student must take a competency exam. If successful in placing at the level of a fourth semester in the language, the student is eligible to take the translation exam.

    In order to pass the translation examination, a student may find it necessary to take language courses at UNG or another institution. These courses never count toward the degree requirements for the MA.

    • What is a thesis?

      The Master of Arts with a major in History (MA) thesis is a research project of sustained length that investigates, challenges, or provides a new perspective on an issue, and individual, an event, or development in history. The format of a thesis requires a historiographical review of the academic scholarship on issue which justifies the research project. It provides extensive analysis and application of primary and secondary source evidence that ultimately advances the historical knowledge on the topic. On average, the length of a thesis ranges between 90 to 150 pages.

    • Thesis or non-thesis track: Which is best for me?

      That depends. What are your career goals? If you would like to pursue a career as a professional historian or in a related profession in the private, public sector, or a doctorate in history program, the thesis track is essential for developing the necessary research, analysis, and writing skills of the discipline. If you’re in need of gaining advanced education credentials as a component of your current job or career path, the non-thesis track is a good option.

    • What are the requirements for a non-thesis MA in History?
      Rather than producing a thesis project, non-thesis students will take a series of comprehensive exams at the end of their course work related to their areas of concentration. Non-thesis graduate students are expected to perform at the same level and rigor as thesis graduate students. All students are required to complete lengthy, and often challenging, readings assignments and produce papers assigned by professors.
    • Why is there only admission in the fall semester?

      At the University of North Georgia (UNG), we are proud of our reputation of excellence in teaching and learning by creating smaller class sizes that help foster the personal attention our professors can give to each student. Part of creating that atmosphere of success involves new students entering the program in cohort groups. These smaller groups entering in the fall semester all take the department’s HIST 6000: Historiography course together. The fall admission period also allows the department to schedule the necessary graduate courses and colloquia more efficiently.  

    • What should I include in my letter of application?

      The letter of application is an opportunity for you to tell the Graduate Admissions Committee who you are, what field of research you are interested in, and why you want to pursue an advanced degree in history. You might share your story about why you settled on history and what you hope to gain from the degree. If you are planning to write a thesis, you should describe your research interests, who in the department may best guide your work, and why you chose that topic. Application letters are usually one or two pages in length, single-spaced.

    • How long should my writing sample be?

      Generally, a research paper in a related field 10-12 pages in length, double-spaced, is satisfactory. Some popular related fields to history include but are not limited to art history, philosophy, political science, criminal justice, anthropology, archaeology, international affairs, and English.

    • What if my writing sample is not a history paper? Will it still count?

      That depends. The graduate degree w/a major in history will require graduate students to produce discipline specific papers in the expected format of historical research immediately upon entering the program. Being able to produce such work is essential sooner rather than later. Papers should utilize secondary and primary sources, and have footnotes in Turabian or Chicago Manual Style. If you have any questions, please contact the history department graduate student coordinator, Dr. Michael Proulx

    • When do I need to take the Language Translation Exam?

      The Language Translation Exam is required by all thesis track graduate students and must be taken before the student advances to the thesis writing stage. Non-thesis track students are not required to take the exam. Most students take the Language Translation Exam after two or three semesters in the program.

    • Can a provisional student apply to the MA History program?

      Yes. Provisional students who complete one semester of course work, while meeting department academic expectations for graduate work, may formally apply to the MA Program.

    The History department at the University of North Georgia is proud to have several students who have successfully completed the M.A. program in History since its creation in 2009. Many students are either currently working in the teaching profession or pursuing advanced studies in Ph.D. programs.

    2011
    Student Thesis or non-thesis 
    Dennis Bagwell Non-thesis, Military History, 
    Ross Burger “The Rhetoric of Blitzkrieg” (Drs. Byers, May, Bennet).
    Chris Monroe Capstone, World History
    Jamie Myers Mize "‘Instances of Wanton Cruelty and Barbarity’: The Evolution of Martial Culture in 18th Century North America" (Drs. Van Sickle, Kim, Spike).
    James Wolfe Jr. “Early Elizabethan Piracy: 1558-1568” (Drs. Van Sickle, Spike, Brick).
    2012
    Student Thesis or non-thesis 
    Donna Hamil “The Mongol Khatuns: Political Agency and Cultural Adaptation of Royal Women in the Expanding Mongol Empire” (Drs. May, Hightower, Proulx).
    Sarah Harris Capstone, American History
    Jonathan C. Harton “In the Shadow of Mountains: Civil War Archaeology and Memory in Northwest Georgia” (Drs. Smith, Van Sickle, Spike).
    Peter Kravchenko “Modeling History: The Omni-Narrative and Unified Event Narrative” (Drs. Byers, Van Sickle, Proulx).
    Winston Glen Kyle “Forged in Conflict: The Role of War in the Development of Atlanta 1861-1946” (Drs. Smith, Van Sickle, Byers).
    Ronald Martz Capstone, Military History
    Laura Mullins Capstone, World History
    Joshua Sasser Capstone, World History
    John Thompson "World War I and Indigenous Identity" (Drs. Spike, May, Wynn, Byer).
    2014
    Student Thesis or non-thesis 
    Robert Baker  “From the First to the American Way” (Drs. Van Sickle, Smith, Whittemore).
    Sarah Hyde “Democratization and Political Realignment in Antebellum South Carolina” (Drs.Van Sickle, Connolly, Smith).
    Heather Welch “A Matter of Bodies: Gendered Responses to Economic Incentives in the Holocaust and Argentina's Dirty War” (Drs. Byers, Spike, C. Harris).
    2016
    Student Thesis or non-thesis 
    Robert Klemm “A Slow Demise: Transatlantic Fascism and the Development of Latin American Nationalism in the Early 20th Century” (Drs. Byers, Spike, Harris).
    Richard Morales Non-thesis, Military History
    Nicole Bronsted Wagner “Defenders of ‘Beauty and Booty’: The Politicization, Plunder, and the Formation of American Identity during the War of 1812” (Drs. Van Sickle, Bricker, Spike).
    2017
    Student Thesis or non-thesis 
    Daniel Bennett “Fraternal Ties in Nationalist Eyes: The Fate of Freemasonry in the Age of European Nationalism” (Drs. Byers, Bricker, Whittemore).
    Brian Everett “American Exceptionalism in the Film Industry of the 20th Century” (Drs. Jespersen, Byers, Marker).
    2018
    Student Thesis or non-thesis 
    Jeb Graydon Capstone, Military History
    Jennifer Smith “Contact and Consequence: Space and Function of the Wakhan Corridor during the Nineteenth Century” (Drs. May, Hightower, Blackwell).
    Bryant Wine Capstone, World History
    2019
    Student Thesis or non-thesis 
    Coleman Lee "You and the Cold War: An Orwellian Look at the Superpowers" (Drs. Blackwell, Harris, and Byers)
    Dianna Southers Capstone, World History 

    • Department of History, Anthropology & Philosophy
    • Catalog
    • Cost
    • Thesis Program of Study (PDF)
    • Non-Thesis Program of Study (PDF)
    • Graduate Faculty
    • Theses Written

    Questions?

    For questions about the program, contact:
    Dr. Alexander Wisnoski
    alexander.wisnoski@ung.edu
    678-717-2272

    For questions about the application process, contact:
    Graduate Admissions
    grads@ung.edu 
    706-864-1543

    Where This Program Could Lead You

    Graduates of the M.A. in History program will have comprehensive knowledge in their subject area specialties and will master the analytical tools for making ethical and intelligent decisions in the global environment. This combined set of cultural, historical, and intellectual capital supported by the soft skill set of research, analysis, and effective communication provides M.A. History degree-holders with highly applicable assets advantageous to professional decision makers of all occupations.

    Our students seek careers in education, museums, community organizations, and government agencies.

    Use our tool to explore different careers related to this degree program. You can download a customized career profile, learn about location-based salaries, and discover the skills you need to get the job you want.

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