Graduate Programs
The Department of History’s graduate programs are built upon a solid foundation: the Department’s outstanding research faculty and exceptional graduate students. Over twenty History professors are currently part of the University’s Graduate Faculty. These scholars cover all major areas of American history as well as many important nations and time periods concerning the history of Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Pacific. Several History professors also possess extensive professional training in maritime archaeology as well as history. Members of the Department maintain an active research agenda, publishing articles in major journals as well as books with leading university and commercial presses.
Graduate programs in history are flexible, because the Department attracts students with diverse interests. Some enter the graduate program intending to pursue the PhD degree in history at another university. Others seek preparation for careers in maritime archaeology. Still others pursue the MA with a desire to teach at community colleges, or secure employment with a museum or in the private and/or public sectors. Finally, teachers in the public-school system enroll to upgrade their professional certification.
History Programs
The History Department offers two MA degree programs: a 30/36 semester-hour master’s degree in History with concentrations in American, European, Military, and Public History, and a 36 semester-hour interdisciplinary master’s degree in Maritime Studies. Both degree plans include a research skills requirement. For details, please see:
MA History ECU Graduate Catalog Entry
MA Maritime Studies ECU Graduate Catalog Entry
2024-2025 Department of History Graduate Program Guidelines
Admissions
All applicants must meet two sets of minimum requirements for admission consideration: those of ECU’s Graduate School and those of the specific graduate program. ECU Graduate School minimum requirements for regular admission include (but are not limited to) a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.70 or greater as calculated by the Graduate School. Individual programs may establish stricter/more competitive requirements. In 2022, the average GPA of the entering MA History class was 3.30. The average GPA of the entering MA Maritime Studies class was 3.65. Both programs take a holistic approach to reviewing admission applications. Admission by exception may be possible for candidates who do not meet regular admission criteria.
Applications may be obtained from the Graduate School. A completed application consists of:
- Completed ECU Graduate School application form
- Payment of ECU Graduate School application fee
- Official copies of all college transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose (Please see our guidance on writing a statement of purpose.)
*Application deadline for MA History if seeking funding support through a graduate assistantship for fall semester is February 1. Applications accepted after February 1 may not be considered for funding through graduate assistantships. MA History Applications will not be considered for the fall after August 1. Campus visits are encouraged for all applicants.
*Application deadline for MA History spring semester is December 1. Funding support through graduate assistantships are not typically offered for spring entry but can be considered for the following fall. Campus visits are encouraged for all applicants.
* Application deadline for MA Maritime Studies if seeking funding support through a graduate assistantship for fall semester is February 1. Applications accepted after February 1 may not be considered for funding through graduate assistantships. Applications will not be considered for the fall after May 15. Campus visits are encouraged for all applicants. Maritime Studies students are admitted to start in the fall semester only!
Questions?
For MA History, contact Dr. Mona Russell, Director of Graduate Studies: russellm@ecu.edu
For MA Maritime Studies, contact Dr. Nathan Richards, Director of Maritime Studies: richardsn@ecu.edu