Graduate Program

The BGSU Department of History has a proud and recognized tradition of excellence in graduate studies in history. Our current programs focus on the training of graduate students to meet professional needs in K-12 education, higher education, museums, historical societies, cultural heritage institutions and other areas.  

The Department offers a Certificate in Public History (offered jointly with the American Culture Studies Program), a Certificate in History for Educators and Professionals, three options of the M.A. in History and two dual M.A. degrees in history/language. The Department also offers an Accelerated BA to MA program

Join us for "Exploring a Master's in History at BGSU: Career Outlook and Information Session" on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 3-3:30 p.m., via Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

Register for the Graduate Information Session

Strengths of the History graduate program include:

  • A small, selective program where students work closely with nationally and internationally known scholars.
  • A graduate teaching assistantship stipend of $12,000 in the 2022-23 academic year for students admitted with funding, plus tuition scholarships and opportunities for summer support.
  • An outstanding placement system and a strong record of placing graduates in PhD programs, secondary education, careers in Public History, government, and non-profit organizations..
  • Support for student travel to present papers at professional meetings and to conduct archival research.
  • Availability of online graduate courses.

Highlights of recent changes include:

  • Eliminating GRE scores as a requirement for admission.
  • Adding several new courses, such as HIST 6510: Introduction to Public History.
  • Adding a Public History Capstone Project as a Plan II alternative to writing a Master's thesis.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the graduate degree, students in History are expected to be able to:

  • Graduate students will demonstrate through knowledge of historical methods and the historiography of specialized fields within the general field of history.
  • Graduate students will create original arguments based on research in primary sources and they will synthesize information from a variety of sources.
  • Graduate students will effectively communicate their arguments in both written and oral formats.
  • Graduate students will participate in professional activities in academic and non-academic environments.

Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.  BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

The History program will undergo Program/Cluster Review during the Academic Year 2018-19.


Professional Licensure (If applicable)

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The History program does not lead to professional licensure.

Gainful Employment (If applicable)

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The History program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.

Updated: 02/02/2024 03:43PM