Course Types

Seminars

These are intensive in-person reading and discussion courses, typically with 12 students or fewer. Students prepare required readings for a once-a-week class (usually meeting 4:30–7PM). Preparation is essential to adequate performance, and students are expected to participate actively in class discussion.

Directed Studies/Readings

Subject to DGS and instructor approval, students may apply a maximum of three (3) credits of Directed Studies, also known as Directed Readings (HIST/ALC 6900), to their degree requirements. In Directed Studies, students devise a reading list of academic scholarship in consultation with a professor and meet to discuss over the course of one semester. The reading content depends on the studentʻs needs and the professor’s expertise. Students should approach faculty with a preliminary bibliography and justification in hand. Directed Readings courses are intended for targeted study (students who have already selected their topic and need to do additional reading in a particular area), not as a replacement for regularly offered seminars and courses.

Utilize the Directed Readings form. Registration requires that Department staff open the course for individual students. Please consult the DGS before registering.

Internships

Graduate students may take up to four (4) internship credits. The Department partners with a number of organizations to provide professional opportunities for our students. The Departmentʻs Public History specialists supervise graduate internships.

Undergraduate Courses for Graduate Credit

Students may apply a maximum of 3 credits of undergraduate coursework for graduate credit. After receiving permission from the course instructor, students consult with faculty to create an additional assignment to earn graduate credit. Examples include additional reading, a research project, or additional written assignments.

Transfer Credits

As per USU policy:

  • A student may transfer up to 12 graduate credits earned at another accredited institution, including credits with earned P grades.
    • The credits must not have been used for another degree.
    • Master and Doctoral students may transfer a maximum of 12 semester credits into a graduate program at Utah State University.
  • Transfer credits are subject to approval of the student’s supervisory committee, Director of Graduate Studies, and the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies.
    • Credits with P grades may be transferred only with committee approval.
    • Credits more than eight years old may not be acceptable and will require revalidation.
    • Transfer credits will be shown on official Utah State University transcripts upon completion of the degree.
  • These stipulations apply to transferred nonmatriculated credits: no more than 12 credits taken at Utah State University or another institution prior to matriculation at Utah State University may be used in a program of study.
    • NOTE: This is not applicable to certificates.