Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Graduate Study in History at UIC

How many courses must I take if I already have a master's degree? Students who enter the Ph.D. program with a master's degree are normally required to take 16 hours (four courses). However, students who enter the program with an M.A. from outside UIC or in a discipline other than history may be required to take supplementary coursework as appropriate. Any such additional requirement(s) will be specified in the letter offering admission.

How many 500-level courses must M.A. students take? MA students must take 20 hours (five courses) of 500 level courses (courses open only to graduate students).

How many sets of examinations will I take? All students will take and pass one set of general examinations in order to obtain their final degree. M.A.T. and stand-alone M.A. students will take comprehensive exams. Students accepted into the Ph.D. program (with or without a master's degree) will take preliminary examinations. Students are not asked to take both comprehensive and preliminary examinations.

Do Ph.D. students receive the M.A.? Yes. Students entering the Ph.D. program with a bachelor's degree will be reviewed after their second year of coursework to determine whether they will be allowed to proceed to the Ph.D. If the student receives a favorable evaluation this decision automatically confers the M.A. If the Department decides that a student should not move on to Ph.D. candidacy, the student will be required to complete all the requirements for the stand-alone M.A.

For More Information

While the graduate program at UIC offers a comprehensive program of study, it has a very individualized approach. In this spirit, please feel free to make an appointment to visit the department in person or to email the Director of Graduate Studies.

Laura Hostetler
Director of Graduate Studies
900 University Hall (M/C 198)
601 S. Morgan St.
Chicago, IL 60607-7109
hostetle@uic.edu

Linda VanPuyenbroeck
Assistant to the Director of Graduate Studies
902 University Hall (M/C 198)
601 S. Morgan St.
Chicago, IL 60607-7109
(312) 996 3141
lindavp@uic.edu

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