World History Graduate Certificate

Unlock the past to gauge the present and future

Gain a better perspective on world history.

Study key historical events in regions like Latin America, Europe, East Asia, the Middle East and more. Use sources (primary and secondary) that give you new insights.

Build a strong foundation in critical thinking, research and analysis.

Certificate in World History

Djene Bajalan, Graduate Director
Strong Hall, Room 442; Phone 417-836-5913
HistoryGraduateAdvisor@missouristate.edu

Sarah Panzer, Co-Graduate Director
Strong Hall, Room 429; Phone 417-836-5099
HistoryGraduateAdvisor@missouristate.edu

Program description

This 18-credit certificate provides specialized courses in world history that emphasize the use of primary and secondary sources in exploring major historical time periods and geographical regions, such as Latin America, Europe, East Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Entrance requirements

For consideration for admission into the MA History program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Applicants must meet the minimum GPA of the Graduate College (2.75 on a 4.00 scale) to be considered for admission. Meeting the minimum standards is required for admission but does not guarantee admission. Candidates with a GPA of 3.00 and above are generally preferred.
  2. Applicants with 24 undergraduate credit hours in history are preferred. However, applicants with a background in associated fields from the social sciences, humanities, and/or education will also be considered. The department also considers applications from in-service certified teachers.

Potential applicants who do not meet these criteria may contact the Graduate Director. It is possible to take undergraduate credits through Missouri State University to make up any deficits in either coursework or GPA requirements.

Application process and materials

All applicants must apply via the GradCAS system. Application materials should not be sent to the department directly. The department can only consider completed applications that include the following materials.

  • Curriculum Vitae: Applicants must include an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV). This document should include a list of the applicant’s degree(s) as well as their GPA for each of their qualifications.
  • Transcripts: Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree and submit the relevant transcripts to the GradCAS system. For the purpose of the application process, applicants may submit unofficial copies of their transcript(s) to the GradCAS system. Successful applicants will be required to submit official transcripts to the Graduate College within the first semester of their studies. If the applicant has credits from multiple institutions, the applicant must submit documentation for all institutions attended.
  • Three Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must have three letters of recommendation. While academic references are preferred, applicants may also submit professional references, especially if the applicant is applying after a significant hiatus in their studies. Recommendations must be submitted via the GradCAS system. Please note that the GradCas system allows students to send a link directly to their referee, which allows their referee to submit their letter of recommendation directly to the applicant’s file.
  • Writing Sample: Applicants must submit a writing sample of approximately 2,000 words. Writing samples must be submitted via the GradCAS system. It is recommended, although not required, that this writing sample is a piece of academic writing (preferably from the discipline of history), such as an essay or an excerpt from a longer work (such as a capstone project or thesis). For applicants who do not have an example of their academic writing, a sample of professional writing that the applicant feels accurately reflects their abilities may be submitted.
  • Evidence of Teaching Certification (if applicable): Applicants with a teaching certificate in social studies from a US state or territory should submit a copy of their certification via the GradCas system.

Should applicants have any technical issues pertaining to GradCas, they should contact Graduate Admissions.

Dates of consideration

For full consideration, complete applications must be received by March 1 for summer or fall admission and October 1 for spring admission. Applications received after this deadline will be considered, dependent on course availability.

Late admissions are processed in April for entry in the summer and the fall semesters and November for entry in the spring semester. If the department has already admitted a full cohort of students by that time, late applications will be automatically moved to the subsequent semester’s application pool.

Graduate record examination

Please note that Missouri State University History Department DOES NOT require the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).

Program requirements - 18 credit hours total

World History Core Courses (9 hrs)

  1. 3 hours - HST 701 Historiography and Historical Methods
  2. 3 hours - World History Primary Source Seminar: HST 792
  3. 3 hours - Required World History Reading Seminar: HST 740, HST 760, HST 770, HST 775, HST 790

World History Additional Course Requirements (9 hrs)

9 credit hours of World History courses at either the 600 or 700 level. Students may complete additional World History Primary Source Seminars, World History Reading Seminars, and/or World History Research Seminars to meet this requirement. Eligible courses: HST 614, 629, 632, 641, 642, 645, 648, 649, 651, 653, 655, 659, 663, 664, 666, 671, 672, 673, 674, 682, 688, 710, 740, 750, 760, 770, 775, 780, 790, 792

Completion Requirements

Students must have an overall GPA of 3.00 for completion of the certificate program.