History: History MA

Master of Arts

Program Description

The Department of History offers a broadly diversified program of graduate studies leading to the Master of Arts degree. There are opportunities to study and research several geographic, chronological, and thematic areas of history. Visit the departmental website for descriptions of specific fields. The requirements vary for the field in Contemporary International History; see the admission and program requirements below.

The MA program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.

 

MA Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of History's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • An appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with at least a B+ standing.

  • Successful completion of at least 6.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in history. Applicants without adequate history training may be required to complete an appropriate number of undergraduate history courses before being considered for admission. In rare cases, an applicant may be admitted to the MA program but will be required to do one or two courses in addition to the MA program requirements.

  • In addition to the School of Graduate Studies online application form, applicants must submit:

    • an Application Information Form

    • three letters of recommendation

    • a 500-word specific research proposal outlining a precise field and area of historical investigation

    • a writing sample of no more than 3,000 words.

  • Applicants who were educated outside Canada, whose primary language is not English, and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction was not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the successful completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with scores of at least:

    • paper-based TOEFL exam: 600 with 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE)

    • Internet-based TOEFL exam: 100/120 with 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

Program Requirements

  • Students may complete the MA by:

    • coursework and research paper or

    • coursework and thesis (with special permission).

  • Students must achieve at least an overall B average in their courses to maintain standing.

  • Students must also demonstrate competency in a language other than English, to be assessed in a manner approved by the Associate Chair (Graduate) or designate.

Coursework and Research Paper
  • Students must successfully complete a total of 3.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 0.5 FCE: HIS1997H

    • 1.0 FCE: HIS2000Y0 MA essay

    • 2.0 FCE: HIS courses. Normally, up to 1.0 FCE may be taken outside the Department of History with the approval of the Associate Chair, Graduate.

  • Full-time MA students are expected to complete all degree requirements within 12 months of entering the program.

Coursework and Thesis
  • Students must successfully complete a total of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 0.5 FCE: HIS1997H

    • 1.5 FCE: present an MA thesis.

  • The thesis MA might take longer than the coursework MA. The thesis must be presented by full-time students within three years of entering the program; part-time students must present within six years of entering the program.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
6 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

 

Field: Contemporary International History

The field in Contemporary International History (CIH) focuses on the historical roots and genealogies of contemporary international issues. It emphasizes the development of research and analytical skills that will enrich decision-making in an increasingly interconnected, but tension-filled global environment. The field is designed to prepare students in research, analytical, and communication skills for decision-making in non-academic careers in government, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, media, business and finance, law, and the cultural sector.

The coursework-plus-thesis option is not permitted in this field.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of History's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • An appropriate bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, from a recognized university with successful completion of at least 6.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in History with a B+ average.

  • A B+ average (grade point average of 3.3), or equivalent, in the final 5.0 FCEs of the BA.

  • In addition to the School of Graduate Studies online application form, applicants must submit:

    • an Application Information Form

    • three letters of recommendation

    • a 500-word specific research proposal outlining a precise field and area of historical investigation

    • a writing sample of no more than 3,000 words.

  • Applicants who were educated outside Canada, whose primary language is not English, and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction was not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the successful completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with scores of at least:

    • paper-based TOEFL exam: 600 with 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE)

    • Internet-based TOEFL exam: 100/120 with 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 2.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 0.5 FCE: HIS1997H

    • 0.5 required FCE: HIS1900H or HIS1901H

    • the remaining 1.5 FCE can be taken within or outside the History department.

  • HIS2000Y0, a research project defined in consultation with a supervisor and approved by the CIH Coordinator.

  • Students must achieve at least an overall B average in their courses to maintain standing.

  • Students must also demonstrate competency in a language other than English, to be assessed in a manner approved by the Associate Chair (Graduate) or designate.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
6 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.