About the Program

Advisement

The student, with the approval of the department chair, selects an academic adviser who specializes in the student's principal areas of interest.

About the History and Social Studies Education Department Department

302 Cassety Hall
1300 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: (716) 878-5412
Fax: (716) 878-3882
https://history.buffalostate.edu/

Admission Requirements

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) in history and 2.75 overall.

2. 30 credit hours in history.

3. Two letters of recommendation.

4. A 500-word statement describing the applicant's graduate education goals and preferred fields of history.

In addition, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate Program section in this catalog.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

1. demonstrate mastery of subject material
2. demonstrate knowledge of historiography
3. be able to identify and interpret primary sources
4. understand the relationship between cause and effect
5. appreciate different cultural patterns, behaviors, actions, and the influence of ideas on human behavior
6. be able to write clearly and effectively according to the standards and the conventions of the historical profession

Program Requirements

Required Courses (18 credit hours)
Selected under advisement from department course offerings in the following areas: 18

United States and Canada
Europe
World History
Special Topics courses
Up to six credit hours may be taken in related disciplines with prior approval of the student’s advisor and the department chair.

Seminars (6 credit hours)
6 credit hours at the 700 level 6

Capstone (6 credit hours)
Select one from the following: 6
HIS 795 MASTER'S THESIS (1-6)
One additional 600 or 700 research seminar and Comprehensive Exam

Total Credit Hours 30

Graduation Requirements

1. At least fifteen credit hours of coursework at the 600 or 700 level.
2. Either a master’s thesis or a comprehensive exam:
a. Master’s thesis and defense: the student, in consultation with his or her academic advisor and second reader, prepares and submits a written thesis. Once approved, the student must successfully provide an oral defense. The approved thesis is submitted according to the guidelines of the Graduate Studies Office.
i. An oral defense of the thesis. The student will answer questions from his or her graduate committee on all aspects of the thesis, as well as questions relating to the student’s coursework.
b. Comprehensive examination: under advisement, the student will prepare three fields and will answer questions from his or her examiners.
3. Demonstrated competence in a foreign language may be required. If applicable, competency examinations will be arranged by the thesis advisor and approved by the department chair.