History
By studying history, you will explore people, events, institutions and values as old as the ancient world and as new as yesterday's headlines.
What can a master's in history do for me?
Whether as a historian or political analyst, while earning your master's degree in history from USD, you can expect to conduct sophisticated research projects and expand your writing skills to help advance your career. You can also earn more money with a master's degree. Students who graduate from our program are prepared to go on for the Ph.D. or to venture further into the field of history as an independent historian, beginning museum professional or an advanced secondary educator. As a terminal degree program, all graduate students have the full attention of the department’s historians.
Degrees & Offerings
History (M.A.)
Master'sThe master's degree in history requires 30-33 credit hours and is offered in a plan A (thesis) or plan B (non-thesis) program of study. Students can focus on a variety of areas in American and European history. The applications of a master’s degree in history are far-reaching.
Concurrent History, Law (M.A./J.D.)
Master's + DoctorateCombine your M.A. in history with a law degree. Graduates may go on to work in primary and secondary education or consider the field of law as a litigation specialist or paralegal. Admission to the Knudson School of Law is required prior to entering the M.A./J.D. program.
Program Details
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Known for Excellence
South Dakota's only master's program in history. We offer a Joint JD and MA program; a student can earn both degrees in three years.
We offer small class sizes and one-on-one mentorship of student research.
Get financial assistance with many options for graduate teaching assistantships.
Excellent success rate placing graduates who plan to earn their Ph.D. in history.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.
American School of Classical Studies
USD is a corporate member of The American School of Classical Studies at Athens, which provides our students opportunities for summer study in Greece. Two sessions, directed by the School's Gertrude Smith professors, are conducted annually. These sessions are designed for students who wish to complement their training in the language and literature of ancient Greece with an introduction to the country and its monuments. Housing and meals for participants are provided by the school. Enrollment in each session is limited to 20 students. Students interested in this program should consult with Professor Clayton Lehmann.Student History Conference
Each spring the department hosts the Phi Alpha Theta regional Student History Conference, where students from area colleges and universities present and critique papers as at a professional history conference. For more information on the Student History Conference, contact Professor Clayton Lehmann.USD is home to more than 170 student organizations, including those housed in the Department of History. You may be interested in joining Phi Alpha Theta or the Student History Club to make friends, develop new skills and explore your interests.
Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)
Join your fellow graduate and professional students at USD. We aim to build a sense of community between graduate and professional students. Build your resume, network with others and gain experience and the unique opportunity to represent the interests of graduate students to the greater campus and community.
Phi Alpha Theta
The Zeta Mu Chapter of PAT was formed at USD in 1957, and since that time has inducted over 550 members. Associate Professor and department chair David Burrow is the faculty advisor for the local chapter of Phi Alpha Theta. Majors are inducted into Phi Alpha Theta at the awards banquet each spring.
Membership Requirements
- Undergraduate students must complete at least 12 semester hours in history (four courses) with a GPA of at least 3.1 in history, have an overall GPA of 3.0 or better and be in the top 35% of the class. Membership is not limited to history majors.
- Graduate students should have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours toward their master's degree, have a GPA of better than 3.5, and shall have completed approximately 30% of the residence requirements for the master's degree.
The Society publishes The Historian, a distinguished quarterly journal with articles written by members with interests in all fields of history. It also contains numerous reviews of scholarly books and other items of interest. The Historian is one of the most widely circulated scholarly historical journals published in the United States.
Real Experience Through Research
You'll find the mentorship and opportunities you need to study topics that spark your curiosity.
At USD, our graduate students are actively pursuing unique research and presenting at local and national conferences exploring innovative areas of interest to them. Additional research and grant opportunities include:
Three Minute Thesis (3MT®)
Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition provides the opportunity to communicate the significance and impact of your research project in just three minutes.
Research and Creative Scholarship Opportunities
Each semester students may apply for grants through the USD Graduate School, faculty and students pursue research in virtually all academic departments on campus, and in many cases, it is a required portion of a graduate degree program.
IdeaFest
IdeaFest is an annual event celebrating student research, creative scholarship and academic engagement. Undergraduate and graduate students in all disciplines present their work in oral and poster presentations, live performances, readings, exhibits and displays.
Departments & Facilities
History
At the University of South Dakota, our Department of History houses numerous disciplines that exist at the intersection of curiosity, research, writing, storytelling and the human experience. Find the answers to your questions about people, events, institutions and values with the guidance and support of our exceptional faculty.
Faculty & Staff
David Burrow
Elise Boxer
Kurt Hackemer
Sara Lampert
Clayton Lehmann
Mark Madsen
Molly Rozum
A Customized Approach
Original Historical Research
1922-2022: History Graduate Program Centennial Conference & Reunion
The University of South Dakota is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its Master of Arts (M.A.) in History Program. We invite you to join us on campus for a celebration on September 16, 2022. The event will feature a combination of academic and practical history with panels also devoted to past student experiences at USD and in Vermillion.
If you have any questions, please contact the History Department at history@usd.edu.
Surprisingly Affordable
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GA (Resident*)
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Online
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Non-Resident
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Tuition (1 cr.)
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180.3
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340.15
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470.45
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654.05
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GAF Fee (1 cr.)
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55.3
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55.3
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0
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55.3
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Total
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More About Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates are subject to change and may vary depending on the program or department. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs page for more information.
* Graduate Assistant (GA) rates are available for resident, non-resident and online students.