Taking the historian’s toolkit to the next level
The critical thinking and deep analytical skills you learn as a history major are useful far beyond the halls of academia, and many undergraduates go on to a variety of excellent careers. Of course, if a bachelor’s degree has only whet your appetite for more, the SFA history graduate programs provide the opportunity to delve deeper and further hone your skills to bring the past to life.
Graduate Assistantships
Each semester, the History Department offers a limited number of graduate research assistantships to qualified students. These competitive positions require 20 hours per week of work in return for tuition waivers and a monthly stipend. Contact Dr. Perky Beisel, Graduate Adviser, History Department, for an application form and additional information.
Admission Requirements
- Applications are accepted year round, but the priority admission and funding decision application deadline is October 1 for the spring semester and February 1 for fall semester.
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript.
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 overall, with a 3.0 in history coursework.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant's talent and suitability.
- A writing sample, roughly 5 to 10 pages in length, that demonstrates writing and analytical skills.
To Apply:
- Visit sfasu.edu/apply to complete your application to the graduate school.
- Applicants should submit their writing sample via email to Dr. Perky Beisel, graduate program director for history. The two letters of recommendation should be sent under separate covers directly to Dr. Perky Beisel, P.O. Box 13013, SFA Station, Nacogdoches, Texas 75962.
The Department of History offers three graduate tracks:
Master of Arts in history – thesis option
This 30-hour program with a thesis is designed for students planning to continue on to the doctoral level or those who desire a more specialized course of study. Students will work with the academic advisor to create a degree plan that will include history of the United States, Europe and the World.
Master of Arts in history – non-thesis option
This 36-hour program with comprehensive exams designed for part-time students, those planning to teach at the K-12 or community college levels and those with a general interest in history. Students considering teaching in the public schools may substitute six hours of graduate education courses for the six hours of electives.
Master of Arts in history – public history option
A 30-hour program with a thesis designed for students planning a career in the field of public history.
Public historians research, interpret, present, and preserve history in public settings and for public audiences not often associated with history in an academic setting – such as archives, museums, historic sites, public and private agencies and corporations and non-profit organizations.
See the Graduate Bulletin for additional details, guidelines and requirements for the M.A. in History and Public History Emphasis programs.