History - Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Master of Arts (M.A.)

Program Overview

The University of Toledo's History program offers M.A. and Ph.D. degrees, emphasizing critical thinking, research skills, and historical knowledge. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of historical methodologies and historiography, preparing them for careers in academia, public history, and government. The program features experienced faculty, a supportive learning environment, and opportunities for teaching and research.

Program Outline

Degree Overview: The University of Toledo offers Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs in History, emphasizing the values of a liberal arts education, including critical analysis, written and oral communication skills, evaluation of evidence, respect for diversity, and the continuing relevance of the humanities. The programs aim to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of historical methodologies, historiography, and research techniques, enabling them to conduct independent research, analyze historical data, and contribute to the advancement of historical knowledge.

Outline:

Plan of Study The M.A. program requires 36 credit hours of coursework, which can be completed within two years of full-time study. Core courses provide a foundation in historical methods, historiography, and research skills. Students choose a field of specialization and complete additional coursework in that area. They also complete a master's thesis, which is an original research project that demonstrates their ability to conduct independent research and write a scholarly paper.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Plan of Study

The Ph.D. program typically requires five to seven years of full-time study. Students complete coursework in historical methods, historiography, research skills, and a field of specialization. They also pass comprehensive exams in their chosen field and complete a dissertation, which is an original research project that makes a significant contribution to the field of history.

Assessment:

Assessment in the M.A. and Ph.D. programs is based on a combination of factors, including:

• Coursework:
Students are evaluated on their performance in coursework through exams, papers, and class participation.
• Teaching experience:
M.A. students who serve as teaching assistants are evaluated on their teaching skills and knowledge of the subject matter. Ph.D. students who teach their own courses are evaluated on their teaching effectiveness and ability to engage students.
• Research:
M.A. students are assessed on their ability to conduct independent research and write a master's thesis. Ph.D. students are assessed on their ability to conduct original research and write a dissertation.
• Comprehensive exams:
Ph.D. students must pass comprehensive exams in their chosen field of specialization.
• Dissertation:
The dissertation is the culminating project for the Ph.D. program. It is an original research project that demonstrates the student's ability to conduct independent research, write a scholarly paper, and make a significant contribution to the field of history.

Teaching:

The M.A. and Ph.D. programs in History at The University of Toledo are taught by a faculty of experienced scholars and teachers. Faculty members are actively engaged in research and bring their expertise into the classroom. They are committed to providing students with a supportive and challenging learning environment.

Careers:

Graduates of the M.A. and Ph.D. programs in History from The University of Toledo have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields, including academia, public history, and government.

Academia:

Graduates with a Ph.D. are qualified for teaching and research positions at colleges and universities.

Public history:

Graduates with an M.A. or Ph.D. are qualified for positions in museums, historical societies, archives, and other public history institutions.

Government:

Graduates with an M.A. or Ph.D. are qualified for positions in government agencies that deal with historical research, preservation, and policy.