History (MA/MS)
Shape the future by deepening your understanding of history and sharing its lessons with the next generation.
- Offered Hybrid Online and Face-to-Face in Commerce.
- 2-3 years
- 36 credit hours
- Thesis and non-thesis options available
- Foreign language required for the MA degree
Understand the Past, Inspire the Future
Ready to explore how history shapes our future? At East Texas A&M, our master's in history program offers an immersive journey into the stories, events and people that have defined our world. Through rigorous research, critical analysis and dynamic coursework, you'll have the opportunity to gain the tools to connect the past to today's challenges. Guided by expert faculty, this program prepares you for careers in education, research, public history and beyond. Start building your future with the power of historical insight!
$500/Semester Quick Start Grant
You may be eligible for this renewable $250 or $500 grant if you are a new student starting your master’s degree program in Summer 2026, Fall 2026 and Spring 2027.
What Are My Job Opportunities?
Our graduate program helps you build the knowledge and hands-on experience to pursue meaningful roles in museums, archives, education and nonprofits—where you can engage communities and contribute to lasting impact.
Careers and Salaries
Current Median Salaries from US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023
Program Details
In our program, you'll deepen your ability to explore, preserve, and present history through thoughtful, creative approaches that connect the past to today's world.
What Will I Learn?
You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of key areas.
Historical Research and Analysis
Develop skills in critically analyzing historical documents, artifacts and data to uncover meaningful insights and craft compelling historical narratives.
Cultural Preservation
Gain expertise in preserving and interpreting cultural heritage through innovative techniques in museums, archives and digital media, ensuring that history is both protected and accessible.
Curating and Exhibit Design
Learn to design compelling museum exhibits that educate, engage and inspire visitors by blending historical accuracy with creative presentation techniques.
Taking Classes
Our program is designed to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals. Courses are available during the fall, spring and summer semesters, allowing you to progress at your own pace.
Online and Face-to-face
We offer flexible options with a mix of synchronous online and in-person courses at the main campus in Commerce. Classes meet once a week in the evenings, allowing you to balance your studies with other commitments.
Please refer to the schedule of classes for specific locations and times. Note that locations and times may be subject to change.
Curriculum
The Department of History offers two different tracks towards earning your master's degree. Discover what option works best for your career interest and research goals.
Thesis (MA/MS History)
Interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in History? Our thesis track prepares you for the road ahead. Work alongside faculty as you conduct historical research and write a thesis. We offer access to a wide collection of historical journals, databases and archival records.
Total credit hours: 36
Non-thesis (MA/MS History)
Designed for educators and working professionals, this track provides a well-rounded historical education. Completing the non-thesis track opens doors to careers in nonprofits, education, museums and much more.
Total credit hours: 36
Internship experience provides the foundation employers are often looking for. Graduates earning their public history certificate are required to complete an internship as part of their curriculum. We encourage all students to pursue internship experience when available.
Adding Value with Certificates
Similar to a minor, you can earn a graduate certificate in a specialized area alongside your master's in history! East Texas A&M offers a range of graduate certificates to broaden your expertise and enhance your career opportunities.
Public History Graduate Certificate
This certificate helps you develop specific skills related to public history. The practical, theoretical and analytical training provided in the certificate program will enhance your ability to compete for jobs in museums, historical societies, cultural resource centers, parks and historic preservation.
Teaching History Graduate Certificate
You can become a certified early college or dual credit instructor with our Teaching History graduate certificate. Local school districts continue to expand their offerings of early college and dual credit history courses. There is a growing need for qualified teachers who can meet this need.
Finding My Community
In our program, you'll work with distinguished faculty who will challenge your understanding of the past, teaching you advanced analytical methods and how to apply historical insights to modern issues.
Sharon Kowalsky, Ph.D.
Faculty
John Howard Smith, Ph.D.
Faculty
Allison Faber
Alum
Mylynka Kilgore Cardona, Ph.D.
Faculty
Student Organizations
East Texas A&M University proudly hosts the Eta-Beta chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the National Honor Society for History. The organization fosters intellectual and social exchanges between students and faculty in the field of history.
Phi Alpha Theta
Phi Alpha Theta promotes research, teaching and publication to enhance awareness and knowledge of history.
Eta-Beta chapter
The Eta-Beta chapter provides history students with an academic community and professional development opportunities.
For more information about membership requirements, please contact Dr. Mylynka Cardona, Phi Alpha Theta Faculty Advisor.
I’m Looking For Something Different
Is this program close, but still not right for you? Check out our related degrees!
Financing My Future
Financial Aid
Financial aid includes a variety of programs, like scholarships, federal and state grants, and federal and state work-study programs. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or a graduate assistantship. Financial Aid and Scholarships
On-Campus Employment Opportunities
Enhance your expertise through on-campus employment opportunities.
Graduate Assistant/Research/Teaching
Graduate assistant teaching (GAT), graduate assistant research (GAR), and graduate assistant non-teaching (GANT) assistantships at East Texas A&M offer financial support and professional development for graduate students. Assistantships are available in academic and non-academic departments.
Cost Before Financial Aid
East Texas A&M is one of the most affordable colleges around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our tuition rates are some of the most competitive in Texas.
$3,669
for Texas residents
/
$7,341
For non-residents
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents. But don’t worry: there are
Additional Fees May Apply
- Online Courses ($50 per hour)
- Remote Locations ($20 per hour)
- Lab Fees ($5 – $30 per course)
How Do I Get Started?
If you have not already done so, complete the Request Information form. You will be connected with your enrollment specialist, who can answer your questions. When you’re ready, go ahead and follow the steps below to apply.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must first meet the following criteria.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Admission Process
- Create an ApplyTexas account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “History, MA or History, MS” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- Within two business days of your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Domestic Transcripts
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your Graduate Student Services Coordinator. We accept transcripts officially via email (directly from the institution), through Parchment, and any other official transcript providing agency. If your university does not offer an electronic transcript service, you may request them to be sent via regular mail to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
2600 S. Neal St.
Commerce, Texas 75428
If your degree is from East Texas A&M University, you do not have to order a transcript. We will access your transcript.
If we already have your transcript, we will reuse it for a new application as long as it is still on file.
International transcripts
WES ICAP evaluations will be required for certain countries; those are listed below:
- Transcripts/Degrees from universities in Nigeria
- Transcripts/Degrees from universities in China that do not come from CSSD (formerly CHESICC)
- Any country where the official transcript is not in English
For all other countries, an evaluation is not initially required. Original official transcripts are required for admission consideration.
Please know that upon receipt of your official transcript, the Graduate School reserves the right to require an external evaluation at that time.
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
2600 S. Neal St.
Commerce, Texas 75428
We will need official/original documents.
If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
Describe your preparation for graduate work and your academic interests and goals in no more than 500 words.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
Deadlines
- Fall admission consideration: May 15
- Spring admission consideration: October 15
- Summer admission consideration: March 15
- Create an ApplyTexas account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “History, MA or History, MS” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $75 application fee
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Domestic Transcripts
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your Graduate Student Services Coordinator. We accept transcripts officially via email (directly from the institution), through Parchment, and any other official transcript providing agency. If your university does not offer an electronic transcript service, you may request them to be sent via regular mail to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
2600 S. Neal St.
Commerce, Texas 75428
If your degree is from East Texas A&M University, you do not have to order a transcript. We will access your transcript.
If we already have your transcript, we will reuse it for a new application as long as it is still on file.
International transcripts
WES ICAP evaluations will be required for certain countries; those are listed below:
- Transcripts/Degrees from universities in Nigeria
- Transcripts/Degrees from universities in China that do not come from CSSD (formerly CHESICC)
- Any country where the official transcript is not in English
For all other countries, an evaluation is not initially required. Original official transcripts are required for admission consideration.
Please know that upon receipt of your official transcript, the Graduate School reserves the right to require an external evaluation at that time.
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
2600 S. Neal St.
Commerce, Texas 75428
We will need official/original documents.
If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
Submit a Statement of Goals (two pages, double-spaced) that addresses the following questions:
- What is your area of study? (linguistics, literature, etc)
- Why do you want to study that particular area?
- What do you hope this degree leads to? What are your goals?
- Are there any professors you would like to study under?
Describe your preparation for graduate work, your academic interests, and goals in no more than 500 words.
Submit these documents to the Office of International Programs once you have been admitted
- Official sponsor statement
- Bank statement from the sponsor with a balance of at least $33,601 USD which is less than 1 year old
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
You do not need to submit test scores if you have completed (all years) of a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States.
Request that your scores from one of the following be sent to East Texas A&M University:
- TOEFL (Minimum Score: IBT 4)
- Tests taken January 22, 2024, through January 22, 2026, the minimum score is IBT 79.
- IELTS (Minimum Score: 6.00 band overall)
- PTE (Minimum Score: 53 overall or higher)
- Duo Lingo (Minimum Score: 105)
*Scores must be less than two years old.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
I Still Have Questions
We are here to help! Send us an email. We can answer your questions and assist you in the application process.
Contact Us
- Department of History and Liberal Studies
- 903.886.5226
- 903.468.3230
- [email protected]
- Ferguson Social Sciences 111
- 1702 Education Drive
- Commerce, TX 75428
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011