History Master's

This is an archived copy of the 2025-2026 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://catalog.ndsu.edu.

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Master of Arts Curriculum 
HIST 702Historiography3
HIST 705Directed Research (taken during second year)1
HIST 710Research Seminar in North American History3
Select six credits of the following (one to be in the student's major area and the other the minor area)6
HIST 730
Readings in North American History
HIST 760
Readings in European History
HIST 780
Readings in World History
History graduate coursework, of which at least two credits must be didactic.9
HIST 7988
Total Credits30
  •  The Master of Arts requires proficiency in at least one foreign language. The language requirement can be met by completing college coursework in that language through the second year (e.g., SPAN 202) or by passing a language exam administered by the faculty.
Master of Science Curriculum 
HIST 702Historiography3
HIST 710Research Seminar in North American History3
HIST 730Readings in North American History3
HIST 760Readings in European History3
HIST 780Readings in World History3
Didactic coursework (601-689, 691; 700-789, 791). Up to 3 credits may be from outside of History. 12
HIST 7973
Total Credits30

Admission and Application Requirements

  • Graduate School admission and application requirements are found on the Admission Information page.
  • In addition, this program requires applicants to:
    • Provide a statement of intent that clearly outlines the applicant's interest and purpose for seeking a master's degree in history. The department uses this statement to assess the applicant's ability to organize thoughts, to formulate a plan of academic study, and to complete the graduate program. This statement also enables the department to determine whether North Dakota State University's graduate history program suits the applicant's needs and objectives.
    • Submit a substantial paper submitted for an upper-division history class or for a class in the humanities and social sciences. The paper should provide evidence of an applicant's ability to synthesize information, organize thoughts logically, and communicate clearly and effectively.