Master of Arts in History

Admission

Prospective students must apply online to the URI Graduate School. The following materials must be submitted online:

  • Application form
  • Transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate work
  • Personal statement
  • Recent GRE scores for verbal, quantitative and analytical writing tests (optional; but required for students seeking admission to the Archaeology and Anthropology program). TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students.
  • At least two letters of recommendation from former teachers
  • Applicants who wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship should (as part of their personal statement) include a paragraph stating their interest and any relevant experience teaching or tutoring. They also should ask that at least one letter of recommendation address any relevant experience and/or potential as a teaching assistant.
  • Writing sample (preferably 10-20 pages long and demonstrating effective writing and research skills)
  • Resume or c.v.
  • Non-refundable $65 application fee, plus Centralized Application System (CAS) fees

Prospective students should have completed 24 undergraduate credits of history; however, we do consider applicants with degrees in other relevant fields. Those without an adequate background in history-related courses may be asked to take additional credits or to audit courses. Students seeking to apply for admission for the archaeology and anthropology option may submit credits in anthropology, archaeology, art history, and related fields with permission of the director of graduate studies, in consultation with graduate faculty from history, art, and sociology and anthropology.

Deadlines

  • Spring admission: November 15
  • Fall admission—with consideration for a teaching assistantship or tuition scholarship: January 15
  • Fall admission—without assistance: July 15
  • Students who wish to apply to the joint program in History/Library and Information Studies must declare their intention to do so in the initial application process and duplicate all materials for both applications.

 Financial Aid

  • A limited amount of financial aid is available to graduate students and is awarded on the basis of both need and merit.
  • Teaching assistantships provide tuition reimbursement and a nine-month stipend; the salary for 2018-2019 academic year is $17,724
  • University tuition scholarships provide one year of tuition and are not renewable.
  • All applications completed by the Jan. 15 deadline are considered for assistance, and awards will be announced by April.
  • Because only a small number of these large grants are available, students also should apply for student loans if they are in need of aid.