1 History Graduate Student Handbook 2018-2019 A Brief Guide to the Master of Arts in History Missouri State University Table of Contents 1: Application process and entrance requirements page 2 2: Graduate assistantships page 3 3: Tracks of study page 4 4: Advisement and registration page 7 5: Professional Conduct Policy- page 7 6: The Graduate Committee page 8 7: The research requirement page 9 8: The comprehensive examination and thesis defense page 11 9: Graduation application page 12
2 1: Application process and entrance requirements For full consideration complete applications must be received by 1 March for Summer or Fall admission and 1 October for Spring admission. Meeting the minimum standards of the Graduate College is required for admittance but does not guarantee admission. Applications received after the due date will be considered dependent on course availability. To gain admission to the Master of Arts in History students must follow the procedures and meet the requirements below: Satisfy all Graduate College admission requirements, as stated on the college s webpage: http://graduate.missouristate.edu/gradadmissionreqs.htm Apply and be admitted to the Graduate College: http://www.missouristate.edu/futurestudents/applynow.aspx Submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. Send these to the Office of Graduate Admissions, Missouri State University, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897. Submit to the Office of Graduate Admissions recent (within five years) Graduate Record Examination scores for the general exam. There is no minimum GRE score required for admission. Exceptions: o Applicants holding a current teaching certificate in social studies from a U.S. state or territory may submit a copy of the certificate in lieu of GRE scores. o Persons on active military duty or residing outside the United States at the time of application are not required to submit GRE scores. Have completed 24 hours of undergraduate history or equivalent (as determined by the History Department Graduate Director). Submit three letters of recommendation from academic sources, testifying to the student s potential at the master s level of study. Have these sent by the writer to Prof. Eric Nelson, History Graduate Program Director, Department of History, Missouri State University, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897. Letters may be FAXed to 417-836-5523 or sent to EricNelson@MissouriState.edu The submission of GRE scores or a teaching certificate; the submission of letters of recommendation; and the minimum of 24 hours of undergraduate history are requirements established by the History Department, and are in addition to the requirements of the Graduate College. Once admitted, students should become thoroughly familiar with the information and resources available on the webpages of the Graduate College (http://graduate.missouristate.edu/ ) and the History Department (http://history.missouristate.edu/graduate/ ).
3 2: Graduate assistantships The History Department awards a number of assistantships each year. To be eligible a student must be admitted to the History Department s master s program and have a cumulative BA GPA of at least 3.0 and a GPA of at least 3.0 in graduate work if the candidate has taken nine or more hours at the graduate level. In exchange for twenty hours of work per week for the department, graduate assistants receive a tuition fee waiver for nine hours of graduate coursework and an annual stipend of approximately $8,000. A full assistantship is awarded for one academic year only, but it is renewable for a total of four semesters. To be eligible for reappointment the student must perform all assistantship duties satisfactorily and maintain a GPA of at least 3.30. Applications are made in the spring semester for the following academic year. See the History Department webpage for the application the deadline. To apply, send all application materials listed below to Prof. Eric Nelson, History Graduate Program Director, Department of History, Missouri State University, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897. You may FAX material to 417-836-552 or send it by e-mail to EricNelson@MissouriState.edu The application materials are: The application form, which is found on the Graduate College webpage: http://graduate.missouristate.edu/assistantship.htm Recent GRE scores (within five years) can be submitted as part of an application at the discretion of the applicant. Scores originally sent when applying for admission to the master s program may be used for this purpose as well. Three letters of recommendation from academic sources, testifying to the student s potential for work at the master s level. These should be sent by the writer to the graduate director. Letters originally sent when applying for admission to the master s program may be used for this purpose as well. A statement of purpose (maximum of 350 words) discussing why you wish to pursue a graduate degree in history A writing sample of 2500 to 6250 words (10-25 double-spaced pages). This may be from any discipline, not just history. International Students: International students can only work 20 hours maximum per week during the fall and spring semesters per U.S. Immigration law. Graduate students who did not receive both their primary and secondary education in a country where English was the primary language must meet certain requirements based on Missouri statutes to qualify for graduate assistantships with teaching assignments.
4 3: Tracks of study In selecting courses, students must pursue one of the track options below. A research seminar focuses on the production of a major research paper, usually 35 to 45 pages in length. A readings seminar focuses on the historiography of a given field or topic. A primary source seminar focuses on primary sources related to a given field or topic. In each case, the field/topic will vary with the professor teaching the course. A thesis is usually 80 to 100 pages in length, focusing on a topic of the student s choice, with approval of the professor directing the thesis. GLOBAL AREA STUDIES Track Options Core requirements HST 701: Historiography 1 primary source seminar 1 non-us readings seminar (may be in emphasis area*, but not required to be) At least 30 hours of coursework At least 18 hours of coursework at the 700 level Options Thesis submission for research requirement Seminar paper submission for research requirement 1 readings seminar in World History 1 readings seminar in World History 1 readings seminar in emphasis area of study* 3 courses (9 hours) in emphasis area* (may include research seminars and readings seminars, but no primary source seminars) 1 US history course (3 hours) that covers US in the world, US foreign relations, or recent history of the US HST 799: Thesis for 6 hours May take in increments of 1 to 6 hours per semester 1 readings seminar in emphasis area of study* 1 non-us readings seminar (may be in emphasis area*, but not required to be) 3 courses (9 hours) in emphasis area* (may include research seminars and readings seminars, but no primary source seminar seminars) 1 US history course (3 hours) that covers US in the world, US foreign relations, or recent history of the US *The emphasis area of study is chosen by the student, with the graduate director s approval. Examples include Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
5 AMERICAN STUDIES Core requirements HST 701: Historiography 2 primary source seminars in US History or American Studies 1 research seminar in US History or American Studies At least 30 hours of coursework At least 18 hours of coursework at the 700 level Options Thesis submission for research requirement 1 readings seminar in US History of American Studies 3 courses (9 hours) in American Studiesrelated disciplines* HST 799: Thesis for 6 hours May take in increments of 1 to 6 hours per semester Seminar paper submission for research requirement 2 readings seminars in US History or American Studies 3 courses (9 hours) in American Studiesrelated disciplines* *The graduate director s approval is required. Courses must be at the graduate level. Disciplines related to American Studies include American art, culture, film, folklore, government, literature, and music.
6 US and World, with US Concentration Core requirements HST 701: Historiography 1 primary source seminar 1 US research seminar At least 30 hours of coursework At least 18 hours of coursework at the 700 level Options Thesis submission research requirement Seminar paper submission for research requirement 1 US readings seminar 2 US readings seminars 1 non-us readings seminar 1 non-us readings seminar 12 hours US history (may count US research seminar and US readings seminars, but no primary source seminars) seminars) 6 hours non-us history (may count non-us research seminars and non-us readings seminars, but no primary source seminars) HST 799: Thesis for 6 hours May take in increments of 1 to 6 hours per semester 12 hours US history (may count US research seminar and US readings seminars, but no primary source 6 hours non-us history (may count non-us research seminars and non-us readings seminars, but no primary source seminars) US and World, with World Concentration Core requirements HST 701: Historiography 1 primary source seminar 1 non-us research seminar At least 30 hours of coursework At least 18 hours of coursework at the 700 level Options Thesis submission for research requirement Seminar paper submission for research requirement 1 non-us readings seminar 2 non-us readings seminars 1 US readings seminar 1 US readings seminar 12 hours non-us history (may count non-us research seminars and non-us readings seminars, but no primary source seminars) but no primary source seminars) 6 hours US history (may count US research seminar and US readings seminars, but no primary source seminars) HST 799: Thesis for 6 hours May take in increments of 1 to 6 hours per semester 12 hours non-us history (may count non-us research seminars and non-us readings seminars, 6 hours US history (may count US research seminar and US readings seminars, but no primary source seminars) Note: With the graduate director s approval, students following the US and World track may take up to 9 hours of non-history graduate-level courses.
7 Secondary Education Sub-track In-service teachers may take this 9-hour sub-track in conjunction with any track in the M.A. program. Courses in the sub-track count toward the minimum hours needed at the 700-level and the minimum hours needed for the degree, but may not substitute for required history courses. HST 720: Secondary School Curriculum for Social Studies (required) SFR 750: Philosophy of Education -- OR PSY 705: Psychology of Adolescence OR Up to 6 hours of other education courses approved by the graduate director 4: Advisement and registration Newly admitted students should carefully review the information for new students posted on the Graduate College webpage: http://graduate.missouristate.edu/currentstudents/ Newly admitted students should request a meeting, or initiate an online conversation, with the Graduate Director to discuss the program and their track of study. Students require a registration release from the Graduate Director each semester. Because many graduate-level courses have limited enrollment, students must plan ahead and act early in order to enroll in courses that fulfill their program. See the university s academic calendar for registration dates. No student is guaranteed a seat in any class. 5. Professional Conduct Policy for Graduates Students, Graduate Assistants and Teaching Assistants The faculty and student body of the Missouri State University History Department regard the following as guidelines for professional behavior. Students are expected to show professional behavior with faculty, administrators, staff and fellow students in the professional environment in class rooms, faculty offices, university public areas and on-line. Faculty members and administrators are expected to abide by similar standards. In addition to the standards listed below, students must also fulfill the responsibilities outlined under the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities at https://www.missouristate.edu/studentconduct/12331.htm Failure to abide by this code may lead to referral to the Graduate Coordinator who in consultation with the History Department Graduate Committee may recommend to the department head the dismissal of a student from the program or require that the student adhere to an intervention to remedy the situation. PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES
8 Displaying honesty and integrity Never misrepresents or falsifies information and/or actions (i.e. cheating and plagiarism). Does not engage in other unethical behavior. Maintaining a professional demeanor Maintains professional demeanor even when stressed; not verbally hostile, abusive, dismissive or inappropriately angry. Never expresses anger physically. Conforms to policies governing behavior such as sexual harassment, consensual amorous relationships, hazing, use of alcohol, and any other existing policy of Missouri State University. Recognizing limits & when to seek help Appears aware of own inadequacies; correctly estimates own abilities or knowledge with supervision. Recognizes own limits, and when to seek help. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHERS Responding to supervision Accepts and incorporates feedback in a non-resistant and non-defensive manner. Accepts responsibility for failure or errors. Demonstrating dependability and appropriate initiative Completes assignments in a timely fashion. Does not need reminders about academic responsibilities in order to complete them. Appropriately available for professional responsibilities. Takes on appropriate responsibilities willingly (not resistant or defensive). Interacting with other members of the academic community Communicates with other members of the academic community in a timely manner. Shows sensitivity to the needs, feelings, wishes of others. Relates and cooperates well with others. 6: The Graduate Committee Students who have completed between fifteen and eighteen hours of courses must meet with the Graduate Director to establish a Graduate Committee. For students following the Global Area Studies or the US and World tracks, the Graduate Committee consists of two graduate faculty members from the student s major area of concentration (one of whom becomes the chair), and one from the student s minor area. For students following the American Studies track, the Graduate Committee consists of two faculty members specializing in US history and/or American Studies, and one faculty member in a related discipline, approved by the Graduate
9 Director. Disciplines related to American Studies include American art, culture, film, folklore, government, literature, and music. Ideally, the student takes two courses under each committee member prior to graduation. After discussing possibilities with the Graduate Director, the student asks three faculty members to serve on the committee. Faculty members who agree notify the Graduate Director. The student s Committee Chair is responsible for mentoring and advising the student through the process of satisfying the research requirements and taking the comprehensive examinations required for the master s degree. Lecturers and per-course faculty may not serve on graduate student committees. Emeritus faculty may not serve as regular members on a graduate committees other than those on which they are serving at the moment of retirement. As a courtesy, emeritus faculty may serve as external readers, who participate in addition to the three regular committee members. External readers have the option of critiquing and signing a student s seminar paper or thesis, but the external reader s approval is not required. Students will take written and oral examinations under external readers, but a passing grade by the external reader is not required. 7: The research requirement Non-Thesis Option: With the approval of the graduate director, students may fulfill the research requirement by completing three designated courses: a primary source seminar, a readings seminar, and a research seminar, earning at least a B in each. Students earning less than B in any of the designated courses may count that coursework toward the degree but not toward the research requirement. In such a situation, the student must take or retake seminars approved by the graduate director until the B standard is met. Upon completing the designated seminars, students submit the paper written for the research seminar to the graduate director, who will submit a seminar report form to the Graduate College. Papers must reach the graduate director no later than 48 hours prior to the deadline for submitting report forms that semester (see the calendar on Graduate College webpage). The Thesis Option: Students may fulfill the research requirement by writing a thesis on a topic approved by the student s Graduate Committee chair, who will direct the thesis. The thesis may be based on work done in a previous class, such as a seminar, or it may be a new project. The thesis should incorporate substantial primary source material central to the subject of investigation. A thesis has no minimum or maximum length, although 80 to 100 pages is a good ballpark figure. By signing up for HST 799 a student may receive up to six hours of credit for writing the thesis. HST 799 may be taken in increments of one to six hours. The research and writing demands of the thesis usually require the student to work well beyond the six hours of HST 799, however. The Committee Chair should establish a schedule to monitor the student s progress over the course of the thesis project. If work on the thesis continues after the student completes all course work, the student may sign up an unlimited number of times for the non-credit course GEN 789. This provides the student with access to MSU computer services, the library, and health services, as well as the opportunity to purchase a parking ticket. The Graduate College provides limited funding to support student research. Students should contact the Graduate Director for details.
10 The student submits as many drafts of the thesis to the Committee Chair as necessary. When the thesis nears completion, the student should submit copies to the other committee members. Although these faculty members may not have expertise in the student s thesis topic, they will critique it for style, organization, etc. All three committee members must be satisfied with the finished thesis. A copy of the final draft is submitted to the Department Head, who must also approve it. Since any committee member or the Department Head may ask the student to make changes, the submission process can be very time consuming. All four persons must have adequate time for evaluation, and the student time for revision. Therefore it is very challenging for a student to complete the thesis and take comprehensive examinations in the same semester. Students must check with the Graduate College well ahead of time to determine: 1) the deadline for thesis submission in the semester the student plans to graduate; 2) current regulations concerning the number of copies of the thesis to be submitted and the type of paper to be used; 3) the format required by the Graduate College; 4) fees required for binding the thesis. Once the committee members and the Department Head have signed the thesis, the student submits an unbound copy to the Graduate College for approval. Once approved, copies go to the bindery. Students traditionally present a bound copy to each committee member, but some faculty may prefer an electronic copy. 8: The comprehensive examination and thesis defense The exam process differs depending on whether a student completed the non-thesis or thesis option to fulfill the research requirement. Non-Thesis Option: Students take a two-part comprehensive exam (written and oral) upon the completion of their coursework, or in their last semester of coursework. The two parts are scheduled approximately one week apart. The Committee Chair is responsible for scheduling the time and place for the comprehensive examinations. Once dates are determined, the Committee Chair and the student fill out a Comprehensive Examination Application/Result Form. This is available on the Graduate College webpage. The student keeps a copy. The Committee Chair submits the original to the Graduate Director, who places it in the student s permanent file. The student must check the Graduate College calendar to determine the deadline for submitting the results of the exams. The student s Committee Chair works with the student at least one semester prior to taking the exams to ensure that the student and committee members identify clearly the material over which the student will be tested. Ideally the student will have had two classes under each committee member. Since this work may have been some time ago, both the student and the professors may need to refresh their memories on the material for which the student is responsible. Some committee members also assign the student a reading list to provide the student a depth of study beyond the student s course work. Committee members should explain clearly how the student will be tested over such material.
11 Written Examination The Committee chair works with the student to determine the time and place for the written exam. Laptops may be used if available through the History Department. The student has a total of three hours and forty-five minutes to write on questions from the committee members. Committee members submit their questions to the Committee Chair, who administers the examination. Committee members have complete latitude regarding the examination, but should keep the time limit in mind. Committee members award the written examination a grade of either Pass or Not Pass. A student who fails one or more portions of the written examination must repeat the portions failed. This may not be done earlier than the following semester. A student must pass all three portions of the written examination before taking the oral examination. A student who fails any portion of the written examination twice may not receive a degree, regardless of other accomplishments. The Committee Chair should report the results of the examination to the student and to the Graduate Director as soon as possible. The Committee Chair will submit the student s exam papers to the Graduate Director, who will place them in the student s permanent file. Oral Examination The Committee Chair is responsible for selecting a time when the student and committee members can meet. Committee members traditionally have at least twenty minutes each to question the student. Because committee members have complete freedom in their questioning, the student should meet with each committee member well in advance to determine the nature and scope of the questions faculty intend to ask. Committee members award their portion of the student s oral examination a grade of either Pass or Not Pass. A student who fails one or more portions of the oral examination must repeat those portions. This may not be done earlier than the following semester. The Committee Chair should notify the student and the Graduate Director of the results of the student s examination as soon as possible. A student who fails any portion of oral examination twice may not receive a degree, regardless of other accomplishments. After the student passes the oral examination, the Committee Chair and Department Head sign the Comprehensive Examination Application/Report Form (filled out earlier and placed in the student s permanent file), indicating the student s completion of the examination process. This form goes to the Graduate College. The student must check the Graduate College calendar to determine the deadline for submitting the form in the semester the student plans to graduate. Thesis Students Written Examination Students submitting a thesis take a written comprehensive exam, but not an oral exam. Students take the written exam upon the completion of their coursework, or in their last semester of coursework. The course HST 799: Thesis is an exception to this rule. Students writing a thesis need not complete their six HST 799 hours before taking the written exam. The Committee Chair is responsible for scheduling the time and place for the written examination. Once dates are determined, the Committee Chair and the student fill out a Comprehensive Examination Application/Result Form. This is available on the Graduate College webpage. The student keeps a copy. The Committee Chair submits the original to the
12 Graduate Director, who places it in the student s permanent file. The student must check the Graduate College calendar to determine the deadline for submitting the results of the exams. The student s Committee Chair works with the student at least one semester prior to taking the exam to ensure that the student and committee members identify clearly the material over which the student will be tested. Ideally the student will have had two classes under each committee member. Since this work may have been some time ago, both the student and the professors may need to refresh their memories on the material for which the student is responsible. Some committee members also assign the student a reading list to provide the student a depth of study beyond the student s course work. Committee members should explain clearly how the student will be tested over such material. The Committee chair works with the student to determine the time and place for the written exam. Laptops may be used if available through the History Department. The student has a total of three hours and forty-five minutes to write on questions from the committee members. Committee members submit their questions to the Committee Chair, who administers the examination. Committee members have complete latitude regarding the examination, but should keep the time limit in mind. Committee members award the written examination a grade of either Pass or Not Pass. A student who fails one or more portions of the written examination must repeat the portions failed. This may not be done earlier than the following semester. A student must pass all three portions of the written examination. A student who fails any portion of the written examination twice may not receive a degree, regardless of other accomplishments. The Committee Chair should report the results of the examination to the student and to the Graduate Director as soon as possible. The Committee Chair will submit the student s exam papers to the Graduate Director, who will place them in the student s permanent file. After the student passes the written examination, the Committee Chair and Department Head sign the Comprehensive Examination Application/Report Form (filled out earlier and placed in the student s permanent file), indicating the student s completion of the examination process. This form goes to the Graduate College. The student must check the Graduate College calendar to determine the deadline for submitting the form in the semester the student plans to graduate. Thesis Defense Students who have completed a thesis submit copies of it to their committee and schedule an oral defense of their thesis. The Committee Chair works with the student to determine the time and place. The defense lasts approximately one hour, during which the student responds to questions from the committee. All three members must approve the thesis. If the student has an outside reader, that person may participate but does not vote. Students must consult the Graduate College webpage to determine the process for submitting a thesis. It is the student s responsibility to fulfill all requirements by the appropriate deadlines. 9: Graduation application At the beginning of the semester in which the student intends to graduate, the student must submit the Graduation Application, available on the Graduate College webpage, by the due date specified on the Graduate College calendar. After auditing the student s status, the Graduate College will send both the student and the Graduate Director a Graduation Degree Check form. This reports the student s progress in the following categories: change of degree program;
transfer credit; incomplete grades; research requirements; comprehensive examinations. Any difficulties must be resolved prior to graduation. 13