History (MST)

Earn at least 18 credits and no more than 24 in history, at least 12 of them at UW-Stevens Point. Earn at least 9 of these credits in courses 700 and above and at least 6 of them at UW-Stevens Point.

Note: Do not concentrate all your work in any one area (e.g., American, European, or non-Western); earn at least 3 credits in a second area

Earn 6-9 credits in 700 level education courses.

Choose an option:

Thesis option

If you choose to write the thesis, select a topic in consultation with your adviser and inform the graduate coordinator. After you submit the completed thesis, take an oral examination on it conducted by your thesis adviser and two other members of your department chosen by your adviser in consultation with you. Your adviser and one other member of your committee must approve both your thesis and your responses. You must also take a written comprehensive examination consisting of one question in education. For further information on the thesis, contact the History and International Studies Department Office.

Research paper/comprehensive exam option

If you choose to submit a research paper, you must also take a written comprehensive examination in history and education. If your degree is in history, you must display thorough factual and bibliographical knowledge of at least one area of history. If your degree is in history with a social science concentration, you must display the same knowledge of one area of history and one social science. In addition, you must write two comprehensive questions for the component of the MST in the School of Education.

Portfolio option

The third option for the culminating experience consists of the creation of a professional portfolio compiled under the supervision of a committee chaired by one department member whom you select, the graduate coordinator, and a third member of the department. The portfolio will consist of three parts:

1. A resume and a statement of your teaching philosophy.

2. Academic materials (exams, papers, book reviews, etc.) produced in your graduate history courses.

3. A detailed course proposal and sample of accompanying materials (i.e., lectures, in-class exercises, and homework assignments) that emerges out of your graduate coursework in history.

In addition, you must write two comprehensive questions for the component of the MST in the School of Education.

In addition to the general requirements of all master’s degrees, the MST degree has the following requirements:

• Be eligible for teacher certification in your area of specialization (biology, English, history) in Wisconsin or another state.

• Complete a minimum of 30 graduate credits distributed among:

Group I: Major area of specialization, 18-24 credits. These courses provide additional depth in your teaching field and increase familiarity with new knowledge, problems, and trends.

Group II: Professional education, 6-9 credits. These courses enhance your understanding of education and improve performance in the art of teaching.

Group III: Liberal studies, 0-6 credits. These courses are taken outside the content area of your specialization and broaden your knowledge and outlook.

• Complete, at minimum, the equivalent of a major in your area of specialization at the completion of the graduate program.

• Have a minimum grade point average of 3.00 in your area of specialization at the time of graduation.