The MA program in History at California State University, Northridge, offers students advanced training in historical research, writing, and teaching. Seminars are small in size, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to work directly with faculty. Students have the option of pursuing their degrees full- or part-time, and classes are available both during the day and in the evening.
The graduate program includes courses in historical methods and research, concentrated study in specific historical fields (e.g., United States History, Modern European History, Latin American History, California History, Ancient and World history), and professional development for careers in teaching, archival administration, and public history. Graduates of the program have gone on to teach at high schools and community colleges, pursued careers in museums and archives, and gained admission to top-tier Ph.D. programs.
The History MA consists of thirty units of coursework, followed by either comprehensive examinations in two fields, or a thesis. A complete description of all History MA Program requirements is available under Frequently Asked Questions. Course listings for the current semester are also available.
Spring Masters Courses 2010 (.pdf)
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Requirements for Admission to the M.A. Program
- B.A. with a strong background or demonstrated interest in history.
- Cumulative minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 and 3.33 in upper-division and/or history courses.
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty under whom the applicant worked as an undergraduate or graduate student
- A one or two page statement of purpose describing the applicant's academic background, career goals, historical interests, and anticipated field of study.
- A writing sample such as a research paper not to exceed 25 pages in length.
- Acceptance by both the University and the History Department.
GRE Scores: Applicants must submit GRE scores if their cumulative undergraduate grade point average is below a 3.0. Applicants must take the GRE general test and score at or above the 50th percentile on at least one of the three sections (verbal, quantitative, analytical) in order to be granted classified status.
Application Process:
- Fill out an application form using CSU Mentor; or, to receive an application by mail, call 818-677-3700 or write:
Office of Admissions and Records
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8207 - Send to the History Department two faculty letters of recommendation; a 1-2 page statement of purpose describing your academic background, career goals, historical interests, and anticipated field of study; and a writing sample, such as a research paper, not to exceed 25 pages in length.
Graduate Coordinator
Department of History
California State University Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8250
Deadlines:
- Fall 2010 application deadline: Due to circumstances beyond our control there has been a change to the application deadline. Online applications must be submitted to the CSU Mentor Site by April 15. The History Department will continue to accept other required materials (the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and the writing sample) received after that date. All materials must be received by May 15, and we encourage applicants to send these materials in sooner. We regret any inconvenience caused by this change.
Questions:
For questions about the requirements and procedures for admission, contact Prof. Richard Horowitz, History Department Graduate Coordinator, by phone at (818) 677-3556, or richard.s.horowitz@csun.edu.
Financial Aid
The University Financial Aid office, (818) 677-3000, provides information, counseling, and application processing for students who need financial assistance, which can come in the form of scholarships, loans, and student employment. In addition, the History Department provides a number of financial awards to outstanding graduate students, including the Baur Scholarships, which provide for all fees for one semester; the Michael Patterson Scholarship, to students enrolled in or planning to pursue a secondary teaching credential; and the W.P. Whitsett Fellowship, which provides a grant of $3,000 to a student studying the history of California and the West. The department also provides substantial assistance to students who present papers at professional conferences.
You may need to download a copy of the following software products to view the linked documents on this and other pages on this web site.