Frequently Asked Questions
Students interested in the bachelor’s plus master’s degree program should contact the History Department’s Graduate Studies Coordinator, Joe Bohling for advising. They should also review the MA Program FAQs.
What’s the timeline to enter the B+M program?
The annual deadline for applications to the program is May 1. By that date, students must have completed a minimum of 120 credits, HST 300 and at least one 400-level HST course. Decisions will be made by the end of May. Admitted students may then take Graduate level classes that summer, and must enroll in HST 500 in the fall.
How long will the program take to complete?
The timeline for every student is different. In theory, it will be possible to complete the B+M program in five years if the student chooses the exam track; however, progress on program requirements (especially if the student chooses to write a Thesis) will ultimately determine the date of completion.
How many graduate level courses can I take if admitted to the B+M program?
Students admitted to the B+M program must complete a minimum of 12 credits (three 500-level HST courses of which HST 500 must be one) as part of their bachelor’s program. Students may count a maximum of 20 credits (usually equal to five courses) as shared credit for both their bachelor’s and master’s degree.
What happens if I don’t meet the Program Specific Continuation Requirements, e.g. I don’t maintain a 3.30, I receive a B- in a Graduate course, or I do not successfully complete HST 500 plus two additional Graduate level courses in the final year of my bachelor’s program?
Students who do not meet the continuation requirements may still graduate with a bachelor’s degree but will have their admission to the Graduate Program canceled. They may, if they wish, apply again via the regular admission process but would not benefit from the B+M shared coursework.
I’m a BS student, can I still apply? What should I do about the second language requirement?
The university requires all MA students to fulfill the second language requirement. If you have not done so as part of an undergraduate BA degree, you should explain how you intend to fulfill this requirement in your application. Further information regarding language requirements can be found on the Departments MA Program FAQs.
I’m writing an Honors Thesis, can those courses be counted at the Graduate Level?
No, whether you are writing an Honors thesis via the Honors College or History Department requirements, you will do so at the undergraduate level. HST 500 courses should be taken in parallel. That said, if admitted into the B+M program you should discuss with your adviser the potential of using your Honors Thesis work as preparation for your Master's Thesis.
Can I take 500-level By-Arrangement courses as part of the B+M program?
In theory yes, but ultimately that decision is up to individual faculty who will be teaching such courses. It is strongly recommended that shared-credit courses be those that form part of the regularly scheduled curriculum.
Can I fulfill the undergraduate HST 491-492 seminar sequence requirement by taking HST 591-592 (and thus partially fulfill my Graduate requirements)?
Yes, Graduate level courses that match a specific undergraduate requirement will fulfill requirements at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Can I take summer courses at the Graduate level in order to fulfill B+M requirements?
Yes, if offered, you may take and count Graduate level courses for dual credit starting the summer of your admission to the program.
Do you have some maps to show what the program might look like?
Yes! You can see a sample map of a full, five-year program above, via the green 'Sample Program' button.
For a one-page version showing just the final year of the UG program and a single year of MA work, consult the following:
- B+M, Thesis Track
- B+M, Exam Track
- B+M, Public History Concentration, Thesis Track
- B+M, Public History Concentration, Exam Track