Programs & Degrees

Ancient Languages and Cultures (MA, MS)

The goal of the ALC program is to provide students with preparation in historical methods and language that will enhance their prospect for admission to advanced studies in fields which require reading knowledge of one or more ancient languages. ALC students must complete 30 credit hours and follow the general curriculum of the History Graduate Program, including an introductory seminar (HIST 6000), a theory course (HIST 6010/6020/6030/6420), 6 hours of history graduate credit and 6 hours of thesis credit. For the remaining 12 hours, they may take up to 4 three-hour language courses which are designed to enhance their skills in translating ancient texts. An ALC thesis must utilize and demonstrate the linguistic aptitude students have gained during their studies here. More information.

Ancient Cultures and Languages MA (Master of Arts)

Students specialize in Latin, Greek, Sanskrit, and other ancient languages to hone their linguistic, research, and writing skills needed to pursue a doctorate in their area of specialization. Program course work is described above under program emphases. Please visit Degree Finder for information on degree options and program requirements.

Folklore (MA/MS)

Students who study folklore on the graduate level gain durable skills in documentary practice, cultural competence, archiving experience, and community-based literacy, preparing them for admission to doctoral programs and also for careers in museums and archives, nonprofit work, education, cultural policy, and community organizing. More information about the program of study and degree requirements can be found here.

Folklore MA/MS (Master of Arts, Master of Science)

Please visit Degree Finder for information on degree options and program requirements.

History (MA/MS)

Graduate students in History specialize in topics ranging from the medieval Islamic world to the European homefront in World War II. The Department also has a few traditional areas of emphasis that garner interest from graduate students:

  • History of Religion
    The department’s Religious Studies program does not offer graduate degrees. However, Master’s students are invited to work on religious history topics in consultation with Religious Studies faculty, who may also serve on students’ supervisory committees.
  • Public History
    This emphasis prepares students to apply historical thinking and skill sets to a wide variety of history-related positions in museums, public service, libraries, archives, and more. Students who are interested in completing an emphasis in public history should register for HIST 6020: Public History Theory and Methods. They should also take courses in Archives, Oral History, and Museum Studies. Most students with a Public History emphasis will complete a public-facing history project (Plan B), although students may elect to write a more traditional master’s thesis. Students should direct all questions regarding these final projects to the Department’s Public History Coordinator(s).
  • Environmental History
    This emphasis appeals to students who wish to understand the historical interrelationships between humanity and nature. Curriculum may include study in other USU departments, including Environment and Society, Sociology, Anthropology, and Watershed Sciences. Student topics cover a range issues and places. The College of Arts and Sciences provides student support through the Community and Natural Resources Initiative (CANRI).
  • History of Western North America
    The Department has long-standing strengths in the histories of Utah, the Intermountain West, and the larger North American West, from nineteenth-century frontiers to contemporary borderlands. Students may also work with affiliated faculty in other departments and programs, such as Anthropology and English. USU Special Collections and Archives also has excellent resources for research in the history and cultures of the North American West.

More information.

History MA (Master of Arts)

Students who wish to complete an MA degree must demonstrate reading knowledge of a foreign language. Students can meet the requirement by: 1) placing into the first semester of the third year of a language on the examination administered by the USU World Languages & Cultures Department, 2) taking and passing a 3000- or 4000-level language course at USU or comparable institution, or 3) two years (4 semesters) of language training in an undergraduate program with a grade of C or higher. MA students who need to undertake language study should begin immediately upon entering the program. Limited tuition fellowships for foreign language study may be available. The language requirement must be met before students can file their thesis. Note: Language credits do not count toward the 30 credits required for MA completion.

History MS (Master of Science)

The MS has no language requirement but stipulates completion of an additional 3-credit course related to the student’s field of study and in the social or natural sciences (construed broadly), for a total of 33 credits. The additional coursework should directly relate to and inform the student’s thesis or Plan B project or research specialization. This course will be listed in the student’s Program of Study and must be approved by their Major Professor and Supervisory Committee.

History MA/MS Project Options

History MA/MS program requirements can be met in one of two ways: the traditional thesis (Plan A) or a capstone portfolio (Plan B). Submitted written work and an oral defense of the final project are required for both options.

Thesis (Plan A)

Students who wish to further their knowledge on a focused subject in academic History choose the thesis option. Theses are based on original research.

Capstone Portfolio (Plan B)

The capstone portfolio should demonstrate the student’s skills in the realms of public history, K-12 education, archives management, historical exhibit curation, film, or oral history, to name a few possibilities. As with the thesis option, the student, in collaboration with the Supervisory Committee, crafts a detailed proposal and discusses evaluation criteria.

Plan B students follow the same approval process and scheduling benchmarks as students choosing the thesis option. However, after final approval by the supervisory committee, students submit their work directly to the library rather than the School of Graduate Studies.