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Graduate Handbook

III - Degree Requirements for Ph.D. and M.A. II

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE M.A.II DEGREE

The M.A. II Degree is designed for the specific needs of the secondary school teacher; a terminal degree, it does not lead toward entry into a doctoral program.

  1. A total of 30 credits in courses with graduate credit (400-800 levels) selected as follows:
    1. At least five 800-level courses in history.
    2. History 803 (Techniques & Methodology of Historical Research).
    3. OPTIONAL: Between 6 and 9 of the 30 credits may be taken in one or two disciplines related to history.
    4. OPTIONAL: No more than 6 credits in HST 890 (Independent Reading).
    5. At least 12 credits earned in courses taught on the East Lansing campus of Michigan State University.
  2. Each student in the M.A.II program chooses two of the three areas commonly taught in secondary schools and concentrates course work on them. These areas are American Civilization, European Civilization, and Global Studies. The resulting specialization is designed to provide the graduate of the M.A.II program with the nucleus of a graduate preparation in world history. When advisable, the student enrolls in collateral courses in a historical area before taking graduate courses in that area.
  3. Before completing 9 credits in this program, the student must constitute a committee of at least two History faculty members to advise the student. M.A.II students should consult regularly with the department's Graduate Director.
  4. 4. An oral exam covering the student's overall coursework for the M.A. II program by a committee consisting of three MSU faculty members, including the advisor and at least one other History faculty member. The nature of the exam will be determined by the committee and student in consultation.