Academic Advising

Who is my academic advisor?

Academic Advising in the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies is provided by the Graduate Program Coordinator. Your Graduate Program Coordinator works with you from admission through graduation. The role of your Graduate Program Coordinator is to provide resources to help you achieve academic success including information on: registration, drops & withdrawals, academic policies, tutoring, plan of study (iPOS), and graduation. 

Please contact your Graduate Program Coordinator,  Jackie Collens, Jacklyn.Collens@asu.edu 

1. Program Description

The focus of the Master of Arts degree in History is to develop students’ understanding of the complex nature of the historical record, as well as their advanced inquiry, research, analytical, and writing skills. These skills can advance careers and achievement in a number of areas, including higher education, secondary education, historical and archival research, public history, law, journalism, and public service. 

The  program offers two primary areas of study: North American history or global history. Students must select one area of study.

The curriculum for the online History MA degree program consists of:

• • Required courses

  • Elective courses

  • Professional experience (optional)

  • Culminating experience

Students enrolled in the History MA program should be able to complete program requirements and receive their degree within two years. Students must complete all degree requirements and graduate within six years. There is no extension and students who fail to complete within six years must reapply to the MA Program. The count begins from the first semester of admission to the student’s academic program.

Click here to view the History MA (Online) program timeline.

2. Course requirements

All core courses required by a graduate program must be at least 500-level. A maximum of 6 credit hours of 400-level coursework can be included on an iPOS, with Advisor approval.

• • History MA Online Course Requirements -  2020-21 Admits.pdf 

  • History MA Online Course Requirements -  2019-20 Admits.pdf 

  • History MA Online Course Requirements -  2018-19 Admits.pdf

  • History MA Online Course Requirements -  2017-18 Admits.pdf

  • History MA Online Course Requirements - 2016-17 Admits.pdf 

  • History MA Online Course Requirements - 2015-16 Admits.pdf 

3. Course Descriptions

• • HST 591 Research Seminar The research seminar instructs students in the preparation of research papers grounded in the primary source materials of a particular field. Students become acquainted with the basic knowledge and techniques needed to research, organize, and write a paper based on primary sources. They also learn what research manuals, guides, and manuals of style are used within the field. Research seminar topics vary by semester.

  • HST 640 Historical Methods This course explores the history and methodology of the discipline of history, including how interpretative frameworks have changed over time and how historians have understood the function of their discipline. As such, the course functions as an ideal gateway course into the program. (Formerly HST 515 Studies in Historiography)

  • HST 502, 641-644 “Core” Courses Students must take two “core” courses to graduate. The core courses are: HST 641: North America Core, HST 643: Global/Comparative Core, HST 644: Area Studies in History and HST 502: Public History Methodology. In core courses, students explore major themes and issues in a broad field of history. Students will analyze how historians build arguments and think critically about historians’ decision making with regards to teaching survey-level courses.

  • HST 598 Special Topic Courses These courses focus on a unique topic that explores the breadth of knowledge and interpretive trends in a particular field. Topics offered vary.

  • HST 597 Capstone This course facilitates the production of a digital portfolio that reflects the breadth and depth of students’ MA experience and articulates the value of the degree to potential employers or admissions committee members. During the course students will work on producing a CV/résumé and personal statement, as well as refine essays and projects for inclusion in the portfolio. Only students whose portfolios are approved by the MA Program Committee and have completed program requirements will be eligible to graduate.

  • HST 580 Practicum The Practicum courses are special courses that focus on a particular skill, such as genealogical research, oral history methods, and nonfiction writing.

CLICK HERE to view additional course descriptions.

4. Interactive Plan of Study (iPOS)

Students enrolled in the Online History MA program are required to file and maintain an online Plan of Study (hereafter iPOS) with the Graduate College. The iPOS is accessed through the student’s My ASU, under the “My Programs and Degree” section. The iPOS serves as an agreement between the student, academic unit, and the Graduate College to verify the type, quality, and acceptability of the coursework and Culminating Experience required for the degree. The iPOS should be completed before the student reaches 15 credit hours within the program.

Since students are required to identify courses for future semesters, they should enter courses that best match program requirements. Course changes are frequently needed as a student moves through the program, but these are easily requested through the iPOS system. All iPOS changes must be submitted to the Graduate Program Coordinator for approval.

 Once a student reaches 27 hours in the program, they must obtain an override from the Graduate Program Coordinator to take any additional course that isn’t HST 597 Capstone.

The process for completing an iPOS can be found here.

5. Supervisory Committee

All students are supported by committees of SHPRS Graduate Faculty members, who guide them in developing a plan of study and completing research and writing of the culminating experience for the master’s program. These committees vary depending on the culminating experience a student chooses for the master’s degree (applied project or capstone). More information can be found below.

A. Capstone Supervisory Committee

Students who elect to pursue the Capstone option will automatically be assigned a Supervisory Committee consisting of the members of the MA Program Committee and, thus, do not need to submit a Committee Selection Form. The chair of the MA Program Committee will serve as the Chair of the student’s Supervisory Committee. The committee members for the 2022-2023 school year are:

• • Chair: Christopher Jones

  • Member: James Dupey

  • Member: Kathleen Kole de Peralta

B. Applied Project Supervisory Committee

Students who elect to pursue the Applied Project must form a Supervisory Committee of at least two faculty members whose areas of expertise relate closely to the proposed research project. The chair of the committee must be a tenured or tenure-track member of the SHPRS History Graduate Faculty. Students submit a completed Committee Selection Form to the Graduate Program Coordinator before they reach 15 credit hours in the program. The Supervisory Committee must be approved by the Associate Head of Graduate Studies (AHGS). The committee will work with the student to determine the parameters of the Applied Project. 

Additional members of the Supervisory Committee may be selected from SHPRS faculty and faculty from outside units who have been approved to serve on graduate committees. A list can be found on the Graduate College website. A list of SHPRS History Faculty, including their area of specialty, can be found on the History MA program page. Other faculty not listed may be eligible to serve on MA Applied Project Supervisory Committees. In general, ASU professors, assistant professors, associate professors, clinical professors, professors of practice, and research professors may serve as committee chairs, co-chairs, or members. Lecturers and instructors are evaluated by the AHGS and Graduate College on a case-by-case basis. 

i. Committee Selection Form

Committee members must be selected before a student reaches 15 credit hours toward the degree, when the iPOS is due. Once a Chair/Research Advisor has been selected, the student prints the Committee Selection Form, obtains the signature of the Chair and additional members, and submits the form to the Graduate Program Coordinator. The student can then enter the committee on the iPOS.

ii. Committee Member Changes

The Committee members listed on the Plan of Study serve as the Supervisory Committee. Any changes must first be approved by the AHGS and then submitted through the online iPOS system for final approval by the Graduate College. 

Students complete the Supervisory Committee Member Change Request form to request a change and submit it to the Graduate Program Coordinator. The form can be found on the SHPRS Graduate Resource Site. Students must obtain the signatures from the new member, previous member and Supervisory Committee Chair, then submit the original form with signatures to the Graduate Program Coordinator. The Graduate Program Coordinator will obtain the AHGS’ approval.

6. Community

Connecting with others is an essential component of any intellectual enterprise. Such connections are important regardless of the modality of instruction. To help build community among history master’s students, the program maintains a closed group on Facebook where students and professors can share history-related or graduate-school-related information. This informal site is designed to help students engage in peer-to-peer mentoring, grow intellectually, and develop personal connections with other students and faculty. Students are encouraged to request to join by visiting https://www.facebook.com/groups/ASUOnlineHistoryMastersStudents/.

7. Professional Experience 

Students may take a professional experience for elective credit. This experience is designed to give students an opportunity to gain real-world experience related to their career aspirations. The professional experience must be conducted for 180 hours. At the conclusion of the professional experience, the student submits a written report. Three credit hours are given for completion of the professional experience. Some students conduct several to reach the total hours, others in one. Interested students should contact their advisor for more information.  

8. GPA and Grade Requirements

Students enrolled in the History Master’s program are required to maintain a grade point average of 3.0 on the iPOS GPA, Overall Graduate GPA, and Cumulative GPA. The iPOS GPA is based on all courses that appear on a student’s approved iPOS. The Cumulative GPA represents all courses completed at ASU during the graduate career. The Overall Graduate GPA is calculated based on all courses numbered 500 or higher that appear on the transcript after admission to the program. These GPAs are all visible through My ASU. If the GPA falls below 3.0, the student is automatically placed on a History program academic probation for one semester with the expectation that the GPA will improve and meet the requirement by the end of the following semester. Failure to raise the GPA and meet other terms set in the academic probation letter may result in dismissal from the program. The Associate Head of Graduate Studies may also recommend a student for dismissal from the program if the following situations occur:

• • The student has received three Cs or lower or incompletes in graduate-level (500 or above) courses taken after admission to the program.

  • A student’s Cumulative GPA, Plan of Study (iPOS) GPA, or semester GPA falls below 3.0 for two consecutive semesters.

  • It becomes impossible for a student to graduate with a 3.0 iPOS GPA.

9. Satisfactory Academic Progress

All graduate students are expected to make steady progress towards completion of their degree. Students must meet the standards and deadlines of the Graduate College as well as the requirements established by the History graduate programs as stated in this handbook to maintain satisfactory progress in their respective degree program. Students who fail to meet requirements will receive written notice from the AHGS identifying the deficiency and given the opportunity to meet with the AHGS to discuss difficulties the student may be having in reaching goals of the program. The student’s advisor and the Online Director may be included in this meeting. A written plan will be set in place by the AHGS, giving the student specific steps to remedy the deficiency and a time period to complete the plan, during which the student will be placed on academic probation for a specific period identified in the letter.  Students placed on probation may be restricted from teaching courses or being otherwise employed in the department and may lose funding.

When the student remedies the deficiency satisfactorily, the probation will be lifted and a new letter issued stating that the student is back in good standing. Failure to resolve the issue as directed will result in one or more of the following options:

• • Revocation of funding (if applicable).

  • Recommendation from the Director of School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies to the Dean of Graduate College to dismiss the student from his/her degree program.

 A recommendation of immediate dismissal may occur under certain circumstances such as: 

• • Violation of academic integrity policies.

  • Unprofessional or threatening behavior in a the classroom, professional experience, or any public setting in which the student is representing their degree program, the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies or Arizona State University. 

  • A student’s cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0.

  • Failure to follow proper procedure set by the office of Research Integrity and Assurance.

The student will be notified in writing that they are recommended for dismissal and will be given 10 business days to appeal the dismissal decision or complete a voluntary withdrawal. Withdrawal from the program will avoid the notation of a dismissal on the student’s record. To appeal a recommendation for dismissal, the student should follow guidelines set out in the dismissal letter. All mail and email will be sent to the addresses on file for the student. The student is responsible for checking mail regularly. A student may appeal any action concerning dismissal by following directions outlined in the dismissal letter(s).

10. Culminating Experience - Capstone or Applied Project

Students in the Online History MA program complete a culminating experience that can take one of two forms: capstone or applied project. The Culminating Experience demonstrates graduate-level professional accomplishment. Online MA students are strongly encouraged to pursue the Capstone Portfolio as their culminating experience.

 A. Capstone

The Capstone allows students to showcase the breadth and depth of their MA experience and to articulate the value of the degree to potential employers or admissions committee members. 

Students should identify their intention to complete HST 597: Capstone on their iPOS by the time they complete 15 credit hours. Students who have already earned 15 hours, but would like to pursue the Capstone option, may request to do so by contacting the Graduate Program Coordinator. 

i. Capstone Components

Once a student completes all other course requirements, the student may enroll in HST 597: Capstone (3 credit hours). The outcome of this course will be the production of a digital portfolio consisting of five components: 

• 1. Significant research paper or historical project (approximately 20 pages) that demonstrates facility with primary sources and historiographical awareness. The paper/project should be a revised paper/project from previous coursework. Students should seriously consider any recommendations and editorial suggestions made by the original instructor, address any methodological shortcomings, and copy-edit the work prior to submission. The final product must be of the quality one might submit to a scholarly journal or for presentation at a professional conference.

  2. A work of historical synthesis (approximately 20 pages). This can take the following forms: Historiographical or Thematic Essay that traces a theme/topic across 8-12 significant works of historical inquiry (i.e., historical monographs or key scholarly articles). The essay should be a revised and polished paper from previous coursework, but may connect works the student has encountered across individual courses.

  3. CV/Resumé and Cover Letter

  4. Statement of Purpose or Professional Philosophy

  5. Defense. The Capstone must include an oral presentation in which the student presents the findings of their research paper/project, justifies their methods, and places their work in a broader context. HST 597 instructors will determine the medium students will use to deliver their oral defense.

ii. Evaluation of the Capstone 

The student’s Capstone will be evaluated by the HST 597 Instructor and the MA Program Committee to determine whether a student’s portfolio meets unit standards. The Instructor will first make a recommendation, which the MA Program Committee will choose to accept or reject.

B. Applied Project 

In very rare cases, students may opt to pursue an original research project to fulfill their Applied Project requirement. 

 i. Project Proposal

An Applied Project Proposal must be approved by the student’s committee before the student enrolls in HST 593. The Proposal consists of a ten-page overview of the culminating project that may include, but is not limited to the following components:

• • • 200-word abstract of the project;

    • longer description that explains the project scope, research methods, interpretive framework, and significance;

    • tentative table of contents or design plan;

    • timeline for completion;

    • bibliography of primary and secondary sources that support the project.

The student develops this report in collaboration with his or her advisor. When the advisor indicates that the proposal is ready to share with the other committee members, the student provides a copy of the report to each member of his/her committee for review and to receive feedback. This can be done individually, or in a meeting of the entire committee, at the discretion of the supervisory committee chair.

When all committee members are satisfied, the chair and committee members sign their approval on the History MA Prospectus/Proposal Approval Form and give the form to the Graduate Program Coordinator. The Coordinator will obtain final approval from the Associate Head of Graduate Studies in History and will retain the form in the student’s file. The student may then enroll in HST 593. If the committee decides that the student is not ready to proceed, the supervisory committee chair will explain in writing to the student and the Associate Head of Graduate Studies in History what measures need to be taken before the student can proceed.

 ii. Oral Defense & Evaluation of the Applied Project

The project will be evaluated by the Supervisory Committee. The Supervisory Committee will determine the modality of the defense. An oral defense is required.

At least one month prior to the oral defense, the student must submit a defendable copy of the written work to the supervisory committee for review. Revisions must be complete before the final defense. Students will consult the supervisory committee to schedule the defense. 

The student provides an electronic copy of the final document to the Graduate Program Coordinator for his/her file. The Committee Chair informs the Graduate Program Coordinator of the final outcome of the defense.

After deliberation, the committee may pass the student’s work as a whole, or may fail it as a whole. There is no “pass with revisions” option for the defense of the Applied Project option.

11. Graduation

CLICK HERE for a detailed list of graduation procedures.