History (M.A.)
The Department of History offers a Master of Arts degree that prepares competent graduates for modern careers in business, government, teaching, non-profit work, and further graduate study in history, law, library science, or business. The program offers an introduction to the major debates and cutting-edge topics in the field while also providing education in most major regions and periods in global history. Students select from a broad variety of courses, with the ability to emphasize a particular geographic region or time period through electives. Completion of the degree requires either an examination to assure mastery in the field or a written thesis to demonstrate the student’s research expertise. The degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours. (Learn More)
History (M.A.)
Description
What is History at ODU like?
The Department of History offers a Master of Arts degree that prepares competent graduates for modern careers in business, government, teaching, non-profit work, and further graduate study in history, law, library science, or business. The program offers an introduction to the major debates and cutting-edge topics in the field while also providing education in most major regions and periods in global history. Students select from a broad variety of courses, with the ability to emphasize a particular geographic region or time period through electives. Completion of the degree requires either an examination to assure mastery in the field or a written thesis to demonstrate the student’s research expertise. The degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours. (Learn More)
Program Highlights
What makes History at ODU unique?
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The Department's academic offerings reflect the diversity of the faculty, and students are encouraged to sample broadly the course offerings that investigate the histories of societies and cultures from across the globe.
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The M.A. program also offers many varied options to expand one’s horizons beyond the required number of classroom courses, including individualized independent studies on focused topics, original thesis research, and practical, hands-on work experience.
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The Department offers possibilities for study abroad courses with ODU faculty over spring and summer breaks.
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Internships in museums, at historical and archaeological sites, and libraries offer real-world practice and networking possibilities for later employment.
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Students have many opportunities to build strong relationships with professors in courses with low student-faculty ratios and through the examination option, where each student works closely with our faculty to develop their historical knowledge.
Careers
What are some careers in this field?
Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
History Teachers, Postsecondary
$82,900
MEDIAN SALARY
Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$62,860
MEDIAN SALARY
Teach students in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies at the secondary level in public or private schools. May be designated according to subject matter specialty.
Curators
$58,830
MEDIAN SALARY
Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.
Historians
$64,220
MEDIAN SALARY
Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.
Courses
What are some courses offered in History at ODU?
HIST 611:
The Military in America
This course is designed to familiarize students with the principal historiographical problems besetting the field of U.S. military history from the pre-Revolutionary period to the present day.
HIST 617:
The Long Civil Rights Movement
This course examines the historiography of the Long Civil Rights Movement, the struggle for civil rights stretching from the nineteenth century to the present day and encompassing multiple movements that sought to achieve the basic rights of citizenship for a number of different groups.
HIST 674:
Holocaust History and Memory
This course examines the complex history of the Holocaust, beginning with the rise of anti-Semitism in the 1930s. It will explore issues of resistance and collaboration as well as ambivalence. It will also examine aspects of postwar Holocaust denial and the memory of the Holocaust as well as its representation in the historiography to the present.
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for History at ODU?
Students entering the Master of Arts program in History should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Graduate Admission)
Cost
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Virginia Resident
Per Credit:
$ 571
Non-Resident
Per Credit:
$ 1,394
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Per Credit:
$ 595
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid
Harriet W. ('69) and Burl Fisher Endowed Scholarship in History
Extremely well-qualified graduate students may receive scholarship funding to support educational needs. This scholarship is awarded to graduate students who have already completed at least one semester of full-time study.
Teaching Assistant
The Department offers Teaching Assistant positions that provide a stipend while giving graduate students experience in teaching and grading coursework for undergraduates. Teaching Assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis. There are also a limited number of tuition remission awards and academic scholarships awarded annually to high-achieving students.
Next Steps
I like this program. What are the next steps?
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Contact
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ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Name:
Brett Bebber Ph.D.
Location:
BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS RM 8020, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
Office:
757-683-3949
Graduate Admissions
Location:
1000 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3685
Fax:
757-683-6512
Email:
gradadmit@odu.edu
International Admissions
Location:
2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3701
Fax:
757-683-3651
Email:
intladm@odu.edu
Additional Programs
Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?
With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master's, education specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.
How would you like to complete your program?
Enhance your college career by gaining relevant experience with the skills and knowledge needed for your future career. Discover our experiential learning opportunities.
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