History (M.A.)

Thesis Concentration

• Thesis Option

  The thesis option is designed for students who want to pursue advanced, original historical research under close faculty mentorship. This path is ideal for students considering doctoral study, teaching or research focused careers.

  • Students may take no more than one HIS 6905 Directed Independent Study or one HIS 6946 Internship in History
  • Directed Independent Studies, internships and courses taken outside the department do not substitute for required readings courses or research seminars

  Students who choose the thesis option complete the following coursework:

  • Three 6000-level readings courses in AFH, AMH, ASH, EUH, HIS and or LAH (9 credit hours)
  • Three 6000-level research seminars (9 credit hours)
  • Four elective courses at the 5000 or 6000 level, including at least two in non-Western history (AFH, ASH or LAH)
  • Six to fifteen credit hours of HIS 6971 Thesis Research
• The Thesis

  Students interested in writing a thesis are encouraged to begin discussions with history faculty during their first year of study to explore research topics and identify a potential thesis advisor. Faculty may require specific language preparation or methodological training prior to approving a thesis proposal.

  Admission to the thesis track is finalized through approval of a formal prospectus. The prospectus must clearly outline:

  • The research question or working hypothesis
  • The approach and source materials to be used
  • The scholarly significance of the project

  The prospectus must be approved by the thesis advisor and two additional committee members. Approval is documented through committee signatures and submitted to the graduate coordinator.

• Thesis Committee

  Each thesis committee includes at least three graduate faculty members, with a minimum of two historians.

  • The thesis advisor, who must be a historian, is selected by the student when the thesis option is chosen
  • Additional committee members are selected by the student in consultation with the thesis advisor
• Timeline

  Students in the thesis option have up to two years after completing coursework to write and defend the thesis.

  • Continuous enrollment in HIS 6971 Thesis Research is required, except during summer terms
  • Students must complete at least six and no more than fifteen credit hours of thesis research

  Students who do not complete the thesis within the two-year timeframe may be required to transition to the non-thesis option and complete additional coursework and a final oral examination during a third year.

• Thesis Preparation

  Master’s theses prepared for the Department of History must follow the Chicago Manual of Style and use footnotes rather than endnotes. Theses must also conform to all university manuscript guidelines, which are available through the UNF Library.

• Defense and Final Approval

  Once the thesis is complete, students submit the manuscript to the committee and work with the thesis advisor to schedule a public oral defense.

  • Defenses should be scheduled at least four weeks before commencement to ensure timely graduation
  • Following a successful defense, the thesis is reviewed by the department chair and the Graduate Dean
  • Revisions may be required prior to final approval

  After the thesis is fully approved, students are responsible for completing the university’s electronic thesis submission requirements.

Non-Thesis Concentration

• Non-Thesis Option

  The non-thesis option is designed for students who want to complete advanced graduate coursework and demonstrate research proficiency without writing a master’s thesis. This path is well suited for students seeking career advancement, professional application of historical skills or preparation for further study without a thesis requirement.

  • Students may take a combined maximum of nine credit hours in HIS 6905 Directed Independent Study and HIS 6946 Internship in History
  • Of those nine credit hours, students may take no more than six credits in either Directed Independent Study or Internship coursework
  • Directed Independent Studies, internships and courses taken outside the department do not substitute for required readings courses or research seminars

  Students who choose the non-thesis option complete the following coursework:

  • Three 6000-level readings courses in AFH, AMH, ASH, EUH, HIS and or LAH (9 credit hours)
  • Three 6000-level research seminars (9 credit hours)
  • Six elective courses at the 5000 or 6000 level (18 credit hours), including:
    • At least two courses in non-Western history (AFH, ASH or LAH)
    • At least two courses at the 6000 level
• Final Research Paper and Presentation

  Students in the non-thesis option complete a capstone research experience that demonstrates advanced historical analysis and scholarly writing.

  The capstone requirement includes submission of a research paper of at least twenty pages, written for a UNF graduate course within the student’s program of study. The paper may be revised prior to submission.

  A committee of three faculty members, selected in consultation with the graduate program director and including the faculty member who taught the research seminar, will review the paper and determine its readiness for defense.

  • Students present their research in a formal oral presentation
  • The presentation is followed by questions and discussion with the faculty panel
  • Students are expected to explain their findings and place the work within an appropriate historiographical context

  The results of the presentation and defense are evaluated as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory and communicated to the student and the graduate program director.

Internships for History Students

• Why Consider an Internship?

  An internship helps history students develop practical skills and explore career paths while still in college. Many students use internships as a stepping stone to full time employment or graduate study.

  • Gain professional experience employers value
  • Apply research, writing and analytical skills outside the classroom
  • Build connections with museums, cultural organizations and public agencies
  • Explore careers in historic preservation, public history and community engagement

  Internship opportunities may include work in historic preservation, museum collections, exhibit design, oral history and cultural resources interpretation.

• How to Arrange an Internship

  Students may explore internship opportunities through the department, local organizations or on their own. Once an opportunity is identified, students must meet with the department chair for approval before applying.

  1. Identify an internship opportunity that matches your interests
  2. Schedule a meeting with Dr. David Sheffler to discuss the opportunity
  3. Apply to the sponsoring organization after departmental approval
  4. Obtain permission to register once the position is offered

  Graduate students register for HIS 6946 and must complete at least 200 hours. Internships earn three elective credits and may be completed up to two times for a maximum of six credits.

  Internships do not substitute for required 4000 or 6000 level seminars.

• Recent Internship Sites

  In recent years, UNF history students have completed internships with a variety of respected organizations across Northeast Florida, including:

  • Durkeeville Historical Society
  • Museum of Science and History (MOSH)
  • The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
  • Jacksonville Historical Society
  • Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve and Fort Caroline National Memorial

  The Department of History also sponsors internships with additional museums, cultural institutions and public agencies throughout the region.

  Learn More

  For questions about internships or to begin the approval process, please contact:

  Dr. David Sheffler
  Chair, Department of History
  (904) 620-1856
  david.sheffler@unf.edu

Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Scholarships

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships

  The History Department is able to offer a limited number of Graduate Teaching Assistantships. Students selected to serve as GTAs receive a substantial stipend plus a partial tuition waiver for up to two years.

  Graduate Teaching Assistantship Application

• Scholarships

  Besides Teaching Assistantships, several scholarships and grants are available to incoming or existing graduate students on a competitive basis.

  Graduate School Scholarships

  For more information, please contact our Graduate Program Director, Dr. Chau Kelly at chau.kelly@unf.edu. You may also contact Dr. David Sheffler, Chair, at david.sheffler@unf.edu.