Master of Arts [M.A] [History] From Marshall University

The Department of History urges all students to choose the thesis option because the research and writing of history is an integral part of the craft of history. Students?who plan to continue their graduate studies should write a thesis.

The thesis must reflect: original research from primary documents; expertise in the subject area; value to the discipline of history as an original contribution; the ability to do research in the field of history; and the ability to write in a professional and scholarly manner. After the thesis option has been approved in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies, the thesis topic should be explored and developed in conjunction with an interested faculty member who the student has asked to serve as their thesis advisor.?

Working in conjunction with their thesis advisor, students should next identify two secondary readers willing to become members of their Supervisory Committee. Although the Department of History hopes that students will begin research directed toward their eventual thesis early in their program, students should certainly have begun work on their official thesis proposal by the time the Supervisory Committee is being organized.