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Admission Requirements

Overview

All applicants meeting the admission requirements for the Department of History must also meet the university requirements for graduate study. Applicants to the Master's program in History must have completed a Bachelor's degree in History or allied field from an accredited university with at least four upper-division courses in History. In addition, applicants must have completed HIST 301 - Historical Methods and Writing (or the equivalent History methods course at another institution) before beginning graduate work.

Application Materials

 Additional requirements for admission to the program are as follows:

  • Admission to the University for graduate studies.
  • Overall minimum GPA of 3.0 with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the undergraduate major.
  • TOEFL, if appropriate, with a minimum score of 550.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended with official verification of graduation.
  • Three letters of recommendation that assess academic accomplishments and potential for graduate study.
  • A 750-word statement of research intent describing historical fields of study, including mention of interest and/or experience in media and technology, relevant educational background, and post-graduate career/educational objectives.
  • One formal academic writing sample, as recent as possible. Preferably this should be a paper from previous college or university coursework and should not be written simply for the purpose of admission.
  • Completed Cal State Apply application.

Please mail the following application materials directly to the Admissions Office (Office of Admission, California State University San Marcos, 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, CA 92906):

  • Official transcripts that include all work done at all colleges and universities.
  • If applicable, TOEFL score report.

Deadlines

  • Applications for Fall admission are due February 1 for early consideration, but the department will continue to accept applications until March 15.
  • Applications for Spring admission are due no later than October 30, but applications may be accepted for review for as long as space is available in the program.