University of Nebraska Kearney

M.A. in History Frequently Asked Questions 

Application Questions 

• What if I don’t have 18 hours of undergraduate History?
  • Answer: In some cases closely related Humanities or Social Science courses might count towards the 18 hour minimum. Confer with the Graduate Director if you have questions. 
   
• What if my GPA is under 3.25?
  • Answer: If your undergraduate GPA is below 3.25 GRE scores must be submitted. If you have a MA in another field and that GPA is above 3.25 then the GRE will be waived. 
   
• I graduated from college many years ago and am unable to get letters from my former professors. What should I do?
  • Answer: You can apply as a non-degree student and take one or two courses. This will allow you to get letters of recommendation from UNK professors. 
   
• Do I have to take the GRE?
  • Answer: Only if undergraduate GPA is under 3.25. 
   
• What should I submit for a writing sample?
  • Answer: The department prefers to see a research paper produced in a history course. Research papers in other fields will suffice if you do not have a history paper. If you have nothing to submit then you should apply as a non-degree student and take one course in the program. This will allow you to produce a graduate-level writing sample. 
   
• What is a letter of intent?
  • Answer: This is your opportunity to tell the graduate committee about yourself. Tell us about your background, education, career goals, occupation, and why you want to purse a graduate degree in history. 
   
• Can I take courses before being admitted to the program?
  • Answer: Yes, you can apply as a non-degree student and take up to 12 hours before you must be admitted to the program. 
   
• When is the application deadline?
  •    Answer: Applications for the fall term are due June 15. Spring term applications are due October 15. Summer term applications are due March 15.
   
• Where do I have my transcripts sent?
  •    Answer: Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions should be sent to: Graduate Admissions, FDHL 2131, 2504 9th Avenue, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney, NE 68845

     

   

   Program Questions  

• Is this program accredited?
  • Answer: Yes, UNK’s MA program is accredited by the North Central Association 
   
• Is a thesis required?
  • Answer: No, students can purse the 36-hour non-thesis option. 
   
• Can I do the thesis option if I am an online student?
  • Answer: Yes, online students can pursue the thesis option. Those who want to pursue the thesis option must take HIST 894 Introduction to Thesis and apply to the graduate committee for approval. 
   
• How many courses can I take in a semester?
  • Answer: Students who work full time usually take 1 course per semester. Full time student take 2-3 courses each term. 
   
• How long do courses run?
  • Answer: Fall and Spring semester course run 16 weeks. The Summer session runs 12 weeks. 
   
• Does the History Department offer graduate assistantships?
  • Answer: The History Department has a limited number of graduate assistantships available for on campus students. 
   
• Are online students eligible for financial aid?
  • Answer: Yes, students admitted to the MA program qualify for financial aid. Students must be half-time (4 hours) to qualify for federal student loans.
   
• What is the time limit to finish the MA degree?
  • Answer: Students have 10 years to finish their program. 
   
• What is the comprehensive exam?
  • Answer: Students in the non-thesis option must take a comprehensive examination within nine months after finishing their course work.  
   
• Do I have to enroll in courses every semester?
  • Answer: No, you can take up to two semesters off.  
   
• Can students begin and finish courses at their own leisure?
  • Answer: No, the courses are not independent studies. They run on the same schedule as the on-campus courses and require weekly readings, discussions, and writing assignments.  
   
• How many courses can I take per semester?
  • Answer: Students who work full time usually take 1 course per semester. Full time students take 2-3 courses each term. To be eligible for financial aid a student must be enrolled in 4 hours. 
   
• How do online courses operate?
  • Answer: While each professor designs their courses individually, most courses follow a general format of a weekly reading (usually a book or several articles), online discussion with other students, and a writing assignment. You can expect to read the equivalent of 10-15 books for each course and write approximately 45-60 pages of analytical essays.    
   
• What is the first course of the program that students should take?
  • Answer: Students should begin the program by taking HIST 801 America Interpreted, an introductory graduate readings course in American historiography. The class examines the leading schools of historical opinion from the founding of American society through the modern era.