Programs

The Federated Department of History at Rutgers University-Newark/New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) offers programs leading to the master of arts (M.A.) and the master of arts for teachers (M.A.T.) degrees. Students may attend on a full-time or part-time basis. To accommodate those who are employed, the program normally schedules graduate courses in the late afternoon or evening. The department strives to provide a broad yet rigorous training in history that will prepare students for further graduate study; secondary school teaching; public history; or history-related careers in government, business, or private research.

Requirements for the M.A. degree include the general requirements of the graduate school and 30 credits of approved coursework divided between a major and a minor field. The program offers three major fields: American history; world history; and the history of technology, environment, medicine, and health. As part of their 30 credits, all students are also required to complete either a 6-credit master's thesis or a 3-credit master's essay. Although a foreign language is not required, it is strongly recommended for students who plan to pursue the Ph.D.

The M.A.T. program is intended primarily for those preparing for--or already engaged in--careers in secondary school teaching. It does not by itself provide teacher certification. However, M.A.T. students are permitted to earn up to 12 credits of their program credits in graduate or advanced (300-level or above) undergraduate courses in an approved education department, thus securing some of the education credits needed for certification. Requirements for the M.A.T. degree include the general requirements of the Graduate School-Newark and 30 credits of coursework, including the master's essay.

Students in the M.A. and M.A.T. program can also obtain an official concentration in women's and gender studies by taking two courses in women's or gender history as well as two core courses offered by the program in women's and gender studies.

Additional descriptions of programs, regulations, and admission procedures are available from the graduate history office (973-353-5410). This material is also available on the department website.