The Department of History offers a pathway to achieve both the Bachelor of Arts in History and the Master of Arts in History as part of a single course of study. This pathway program gives students access to graduate courses during their undergraduate career, and provides an opportunity to acquire both degrees in a much shorter period of time than if each were pursued separately. The dual-degree program prepares students broadly for modern careers in business, government, and teaching, or for further graduate study in history, law, library science, business, or education.
Program Highlights
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The Department's academic offerings reflect the diversity of the faculty, and students are encouraged to sample broadly the course offerings that investigate the histories of societies and cultures from across the globe.
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The dual-degree program offers you many varied options to expand your horizons beyond the required number of classroom courses for the B.A. and M.A. degrees in history.
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The Department offers possibilities for study abroad courses in universities around the world, and with ODU faculty over spring and summer breaks.
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Internships in museums, at historical and archaeological sites, and libraries give hands-on practical experience and offer networking possibilities for later employment.
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Students also have many opportunities to participate in both undergraduate and graduate-level research, advised by world-class faculty who are experts in their respective fields.
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Teach students in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies at the secondary level in public or private schools. May be designated according to subject matter specialty.
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Curators
Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.
Historians
Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.
Requirements
Students can be formally admitted to the program when they declare an undergraduate major in history, have completed a minimum of 60 undergraduate credit hours, including at least nine hours in history courses at the 300-level or above, and have a GPA of 3.30 or better overall and in history. Students who meet the admission requirements should consult with the Graduate Program director no later than the spring or summer prior to their senior year to plan graduate courses to be taken as an undergraduate. During their senior year, students must file an application to the M.A. program in history with the Office of Admissions. This application includes an Old Dominion University graduate application, a 500-word personal statement, two letters of recommendation and a 10+ page writing sample, preferably using primary and secondary sources. Graduate admission deadlines apply. Once students have been awarded their B.A. degree and fulfilled all regular admission requirements for the M.A. in history, they will be officially admitted into the M.A. program and can continue to earn graduate credits toward completion of the degree.
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.
Scholarships
The Department offers Teaching Assistant positions that provide a stipend while giving graduate students experience in teaching and grading coursework for undergraduates. Teaching Assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis.
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