Degree Requirements

American History Requirements

The formal degree requirements are the completion of 30 credits, including 56:512:531 Issues in Public History and 56:512:550 The Craft of History; 18 credits in American history colloquia (at least 6 of which must be research-focused colloquia and at least 3 of which must be in a colloquium with a comparative focus). Each 3-credit research course is part of a yearlong sequence in which the research course follows a readings course covering the same time period or theme. Passing a comprehensive oral examination is the final degree requirement.

In addition to the 30-credit degree program, students may choose to write a master of arts (M.A.) thesis by enrolling in a 2-credit independent research course after taking the writing seminar.

American Legal History Requirements

The formal degree requirements are the completion of 30 credits, including 56:512:531 Issues in Public History and 56:512:550 The Craft of History; a 3-credit research/writing seminar; 9 credits in legal history courses; and 9 credits in colloquia (at least 3 of which must be from a research-focused colloquium). The research seminar is connected to a readings seminar covering the same period or theme. Passing a comprehensive oral examination is the final degree requirement.

In addition to the 30-credit degree requirement, students may choose to write an M.A. thesis by enrolling in a 2-credit independent research course after taking the writing seminar.

Public History Requirements

The formal degree requirements are the completion of 33 credits, including 56:512:531 Issues in Public History and 56:512:550 The Craft of History; 9 credits in American history colloquia; 9 credits in public history electives; a 3-credit public history internship; and a 3-credit research/writing seminar. The research seminar is connected to a readings seminar covering the same period or theme. A second research project will be completed from within the public history coursework. Passing a comprehensive oral examination is the final degree requirement.

General Requirements

Only one grade below the level of B will be counted toward credit for the master's degree. After one grade below the level of B, additional grades below that level will not be counted for credit. Up to 6 credits may be earned in advanced undergraduate (300- and 400-level) courses at Rutgers, with approval from the graduate program director. Up to 9 graduate credits (with grades of B or better) may be transferred from other institutions, if taken prior to enrollment in the history M.A., with the approval of the graduate program director.

Full-time, matriculated graduate students in good standing may take up to 6 credits of their elective courses from other Rutgers graduate programs, upon approval of their adviser and the graduate program director. Specific courses in the M.A. program in English, the master of public administration program, and the J.D. program of the Rutgers Law School in Camden are appropriate choices for such cross-registration.