Please note that we do not offer a terminal M.A. degree outside of the 4+1 program and the Tulane Staff M.A.
The 4+1 Program in History
The 4+1 in History offers current Tulane students and recent grads the opportunity to earn an M.A. degree through our accelerated M.A. program. The program is designed for History majors or those who have taken at least 6 credits of 6000 or 7000 level history courses that will then count towards the accelerated M.A.
The application and admissions process is fairly straightforward; students do not need to take the GRE, nor is there a language requirement once in the program. Students, however, must have a minimum GPA of 3.33 in the History courses in order to be eligible to apply, and must maintain this GPA during the program. In addition, they must have a letter of recommendation from a current Tulane History Department faculty member who will agree to work with the student through completion of the M.A.
The M.A. degree is earned with a minimum of 30 hours of coursework. Up to 12 hours (4 courses) of applicable 6000- or 7000-level History courses taken as an undergraduate may count toward the degree. Six hours (2 courses) of applicable 6000- or 7000-level courses can count toward the degree, and a further six hours (2 courses) may count provided that you graduated with an overload (ie, more than 120 hours) and took more than two 6000- or 7000-level courses. Please contact the Director of Graduate Studies by April 1st if you intend to count more than 2 courses toward your graduate record. Students may choose to complete the 4+1 either with a thesis or non-thesis option. The non-thesis option requires a comprehensive exam administered by two faculty members.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until April 1 for the following Fall (inquire early in Fall for December graduation.) Students should apply in the semester before they receive their degree and up to two years following their graduation.
FAQ
When are applications due?
Applicants who submit all required materials by April 1 will be given priority evaluation, however applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Do I need to apply and enroll immediately following receipt of my B.A.?
No. You may apply up to two years after you have graduated from Tulane, but you must apply in the Spring prior to your intended enrollment. Admissions cannot be deferred. Be sure to stay in contact with potential faculty advisors and recommenders.
Do I need to have major in History?
No. You must, however, meet all requirements, including GPA and minimum number of 6000- or 7000-level courses.
Do I need to take the GRE?
No. The GRE is not required for the 4+1 accelerated M.A. program.
What is the minimum GPA for applicants?
Students must have a 3.33 in their History courses and must maintain this GPA throughout the 4+1 program.
How many 6000- or 7000-level History courses for applicants to the program?
Students can count up to 2 History courses taken at the 6000 or 7000 level History courses to their M.A. degree in the 4+1 program. A minimum of 2 such courses are required to apply to the program. The minimum acceptable grade for these courses is a B. Courses with a grade of less than a B cannot be counted.
Can I apply to be a part-time student?
No. The 4+1 program is for full-time students only and under normal circumstances must be completed in one year.
How many courses are required for the 4+1 M.A. program?
The M.A. degree is earned with a minimum of 30 hours of coursework. Up to 6 hours (2 courses) of applicable 6000- or 7000-level History courses taken as an undergraduate will count toward the degree. If you graduated with an overload (ie, more than 120 hours), up to another 6 hours (2 courses) can be applied to your graduate record. This leaves between 18 and 24 hours to be earned during the 4+1 year. Please contact the Director of Graduate studies by April 1st if you intend to apply more than 2 courses to your graduate degree.
Is there a language requirement?
No. Students in the 4+1 program have no language requirement; however, they are free to take the Departmental language proficiency exam if they wish.
Who will be my program advisor?
Generally, your program advisor will be your primary recommender. You should choose your primary recommender accordingly and be sure that he or she understands your intention to work with him or her in this capacity.
Do I need to write an M.A. thesis for the 4+1 program?
No. You may choose the thesis option, provided you have the support of your primary recommender, but most 4+1 students elect the non-thesis option. This non-thesis option requires a comprehensive exam administered by two faculty members.
Can I write an M.A. thesis for the 4+1 program?
Yes. If you choose this option, however, your statement of purpose must explain why you wish to pursue the thesis and what topic you intend to research. Moreover, your primary recommender must show support for this option in his or her letter of recommendation.
Does the History program offer any financial support or fellowships?
No. The 4+1 program costs one-third of normal undergraduate tuition. Like all graduate students, however, 4+1 students are eligible for the Department’s competitive conference and short-term research travel grants.
Review the School of Liberal Arts Prospective Graduate Students page then visit the Tulane Applygrad website to apply.