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Handouts - Graduate Students: Frequently Asked Questions Admissions Process When should I apply? Note the following deadlines:
The history program does not permit new students to begin in the Summer session. How should I apply? Students seeking admission to the MA program in history should apply through the Graduate Admissions office. In addition to the materials required by Roosevelt University, the History Department requires supplemental materals. Students seeking admissions must submit:
Thesis and Non-Thesis Degrees What is the difference between the thesis and non-thesis option? If you are interested in pursuing further graduate study, careers in research and/or writing, or if you have a particular passion, then we urge you to write an MA thesis under the guidance of a full-time faculty member. The thesis offers you an opportunity to work closely with a professor, to conceive of and organize a significant research project, and to delve into a topic deeply. Thesis option: Students take 30 hours of course work plus the thesis (History 490), for a total of 33 hours. Non-thesis option: Non-thesis students must take 36 hours of courses (12 three-hour courses). Do I have to apply for candidacy? The university policy on candidacy has changed and you no longer have to apply after 12 hours of course work. Even so, it is important that you develop a plan for your graduate program, including a list of tentative courses, in consultation with a faculty advisor. This plan should be developed soon after you begin the program. Course Selection May I take any course I want? You should work closely with a faculty advisor to map out a coherent program of courses. As soon as possible, decide on which fields you would like to take a comprehensive exam in and take courses that support passage of those exams. See below for examples of courses designed to support fields in American and European history. The history department requires three courses: History 401, History 450, and a "graduate-only" elective. When should I take them? If possible, History 401 should be taken in the first semester. If not, then take it as close as possible to the beginning of your graduate career as possible. It is offered only in the fall semester and rotates between the Schaumburg and Chicago campuses. History 450 requires a substantial research paper and should therefore be taken either at the end of the program or in the middle. It is taught only in the spring and rotates between the Chicago and Schaumburg campuses. The 400, or graduate only, elective will be required of students who enter the program in FALL 2007 or later . The elective will vary depending on the faculty teaching the course, and will be designated in the schedule as a graduate only course (meaning it will NOT be crosslisted at the 300 level). I have an MA in another discipline and/or have taken numerous graduate courses elsewhere. Do I have to take History 401, Intro to Graduate Studies? Yes. On rare occasions, if a student has taken a very similar graduate course at another institution or has an MA in a closely related discipline, he or she may appeal to be exempted from History 401. That appeal should be made in writing to one of the graduate advisors and should be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation (i.e. a syllabus or syllabi, a detailed description of the program, and/or assignments done in the course). The faculty will consider these requests on a case-by-case basis. May I take 300-level courses? No. All courses must be taken at the 400-level. How many independent studies and summer intensive courses may I take? You may take ONE independent study and ONE summer intensive course (five Fridays, five Saturdays or one week courses) within the scope of your total number of coursework hours (33 hours, thesis or 36 hours, non-thesis). Transfer Courses May I transfer in courses? On rare occasions, students may transfer in HISTORY graduate courses taken at other accredited universities. Even then, however, these courses need the approval of both the history faculty AND the credit evaluators in the registrar’s office. As noted in the graduate catalog, the university will accept no more than 9 hours of transfer credit. Also be aware that education courses and courses having little to do with history will NOT be accepted. If I take a Roosevelt University course outside history will it count toward my master’s degree in history? You may only take a limited number of courses outside the discipline of history with the written permission of your advisor. Those courses must be directly relevant to your chosen fields within history and may include graduate courses in economics or political science, for example. Education courses are not considered relevant and will not count toward a master’s degree in history. Comprehensive Exams How many comprehensive exams do I have to take and what are my comprehensive exam options? You will need to take—and pass—two exams. Students who do not pass may have the option of rewriting or taking an oral exam. A second failure will result in dismissal from the program. As indicated on the “Guide for Graduate Students in History,” you may take field exams in: 1) American history to 1877; 2) American history since 1877; 3) African-American History; 4) European History; 5) World History, or 7) a special field having the approval of at least two full-time faculty members. How should I prepare for my comprehensives? First, you should meet with a faculty advisor at least six months prior to taking the exam. You will receive a reading list designed to supplement work done in courses. An advisor will also discuss expectations and give examples of the kinds of questions asked on exams. Exams are 3 hours. Supporting Course Work Students interested in the fields mentioned below should endeavor to take as many of the “core” courses listed in preparation for comprehensive exams. Please see advisors for course information on fields not covered here. American History to 1877:
American History from 1877:
*European History:
*Please see an advisor concerning the time period in European history you wish to stress. This determination will shape which European history courses you should take. When may I take my exams? Exams will be offered at the following times:
Staying in the Program What is the GPA necessary to remain in good standing? Students whose GPA’s fall below 3.0 will be placed on probation. A student who receives two “C”s may be terminated from the program at the request of the history faculty. Likewise, a student who receives an “F” and/or several incompletes may also be asked to leave. If a student receives an excessive number of incompletes (I) or an “F,” the student should not continue to take courses until he or she completes or retakes those courses. Other questions? Please direct them to our graduate advisor: Margaret Rung: (ph) 312-341-3724 (e-mail) mrung@roosevelt.edu |
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