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Graduate Requirements The Master of Arts degree can be a terminal degree or an introduction in research and reading before pursuing the Ph.D. The objectives of this program are to develop basic analytic techniques, to broaden knowledge in the student's specialty, and to offer research experience in an area chosen by the student and his or her advisor. The degree can be earned according to one of the two following plans, both requiring a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0.
The first plan requires a minimum of 30 credits, including two seminar and two reading courses, with no more than six credits outside of the department. Students in fields outside American History must pass a test in a foreign language. After completing 30 credits, students must take a comprehensive test in their field of specialization.
To request information on the History Graduate Program, The department of History offers the Ph.D. degree to students interested in research and teaching. The primary focus is on original research and historical thought and writing. The program of study leading to the Ph.D. consists of four elements:
1.completion of coursework Students usually complete the degree within four to six years. A minimum of 48 credits of graduate coursework is required for the Ph.D. degree. The coursework develops basic analytical and research skills and grounds students in their areas of specialization. In addition, at least 18 credits must be devoted to dissertation work. All together, students must have a total of 72 credits to receive the Ph.D. Tools of Research Each candidate must demonstrate the mastery of two tools of research. Most often this requirement is fulfilled by passing examinations in two foreign languages. Through consultation with the student's advisor and the department's graduate committee, another research tool may be substituted for a foreign language. Such tools might be statistics, library science, or computer programming. Comprehensive Examinations Candidates for the Ph.D. usually take comprehensive examinations at the end of their third year of graduate study. The major field examination is normally taken after the two specific field examinations have been passed. Fields of Study The department now offers fields in Greek, Roman, early and late medieval, and on the Renaissance and Reformation. In modern European history, fields include early modern and modern European history, social and intellectual history, modern Britain, France, Germany, Eastern Europe, Russian and Women's history. In addition, two general fields in American history, 1607-1865 and 1850 to present, and fields in African American, Women's, and Native American history are offered. In nonWestern history, two general Chinese, two Latin American fields, and two South Asia fields are offered. The department also offers fields in Legal history, historiography, and Imperialism. Dissertation The doctoral dissertation must be on a subject approved by the student's advisor and one other faculty member. The advisor and student jointly choose the other members of the doctoral committee. The oral examination on the dissertation is conducted by a six-member committee, including one member from another department. The examination, which is open to all faculty members and graduate students, consists of a defense of the dissertation and an examination in the field of specialization in which it falls. The student is eligible to take the oral examination after the advisor and second reader have approved the dissertation for defense. To request information on the History Graduate Program, please email: history@maxwell.syr.edu To reach the Graduate School at Syracuse University, please click here. Main Prospective Students Page
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