All candidates for the Master of Arts degree in History, regardless of which of the two tracks they are following, must complete the following requirements:

●      A minimum of 30 credit hours with grade of "A" or "B".

●      A minimum of 21 credit hours completed at the University of South Alabama.

●      A maximum of 18 credit hours of 500 level courses that are dual-listed at the 400 level. Graduate students will only receive graduate credit for the 500 level version of dual-listed courses.

●      Complete 2 core courses. Choose 1 core course from HY 530, HY 540, or HY 542.  The second core course is HY 583 Research Experience.

●      Choose a major field with 12 credits of coursework. Fields include American History, European History, World History, Public History, Historical or approved Interdisciplinary Topical Fields.

Thesis Option

• Complete six credit hours of HY 599
• Submit an approved thesis prospectus 
• Formally defend their thesis in public (Students must be enrolled in at least one hour of HY 599 in the semester they defend). 
• Submit an approved thesis in accordance with Graduate School regulations 

Degree Requirements

All candidates for the Master of Arts degree in History, regardless of which of the two tracks they are following, must complete the following requirements:

• A minimum of 30 credit hours with grade of "A" or "B".
• A minimum of 21 credit hours completed at the University of South Alabama.
• A maximum of 9 credit hours of 500 level courses that are dual-listed at the 400 level. Graduate students will only receive graduate credit for the 500 level version of dual-listed courses. These courses will require extra work beyond that expected of undergraduates in the 400 level course.
• At least 21 credit hours at the 500 level courses that are not dual-listed with the 400 level.
• Complete two required classes;  one of HY 530, HY 540, or HY 542. The second required class is HY 583 Research Experience. 
• Choose a major field with 12 credits of coursework,  from among the following fields: American History, European History or World History, Topical Fields (such as gender history, military history, etc.) 

Note: A grade of "C" or below is not considered a passing grade by the Department of History. Students receiving such a grade in a required course must make-up the hours.

Requirements for topical fields vary. Students must check with graduate coordinator for specific requirements. The remaining requirements are dictated by the track in which students choose to study:

Thesis Option

Thesis Option

• Complete six credit hours of HY 599.
• Submit an approved thesis prospectus.
• Formally defend their thesis in public. (Students must be enrolled in at least one hour of HY 599 when they defend.)
• Submit an approved thesis in accordance with Graduate School regulations.