Requirements for the Master’s Degree in Global and Comparative History
The completion of 30 course credits (10 courses) is required of all students pursuing a master’s degree in Global and Comparative History. These courses are generally chosen from a variety of graduate courses offered by the history department. History courses at the graduate level are divided into “colloquium” (thematic) courses, “readings” courses (surveys of key texts in a field of history), and “seminars” (focused on writing primary-source based research papers). MA students will choose the majority of their courses from among the colloquia and readings courses offered each semester.
Students will take the Colloquium in Global and Comparative History at least once (and often more) during their program. This course is generally offered every year in the evenings (5:40-8:40pm) to accommodate part-time students who are working. The course will be offered by different faculty each year with a focus on their thematic interests.
MA students are expected to take the Seminar in World and Comparative History (also offered in the evenings) which is a two-semester (6 credit) course. This two-part course begins in the spring semester; students are expected to do primary source research over the summer and then take the second half of the course in the fall semester when they will complete their research paper.
When appropriate to student research interests, and with prior approval by the instructor, students may take upper-level undergraduate courses offered by the department, often with additional or expanded assignments. MA students may also enroll in relevant courses offered by other departments or register for an independent study with a particular faculty member, with the approval of the Director.
The MA degree program is designed for maximum flexibility to accommodate the diverse needs and interests of students. Please contact the MA program director to explore additional possibilities and special accommodations.