Undergraduate Programs
The undergraduate program in history at UCA prepares its majors for career opportunities and for advanced course work on the graduate level. Major requirements are broadly based to expose students to many historical cultures and time periods and also offer opportunities to specialize. In the process, students develop research, analytical, and communications skills that transform them into historians.
History majors may choose between the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Sciences degree. Students wishing to teach on the secondary level may do so with either degree (provided they complete the necessary teaching certification requirements), or they may pursue a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in social science with an emphasis in history.
African/African-American Studies Program
Arkansas and Southern Studies Minor
The Undergraduate Scholars Program in History
In the junior or senior year, students who are history or social studies majors may be invited to participate in the undergraduate scholars program. Requirements for graduation with honors are as follows:
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25 and a 3.50 grade point average in the major
- Successful completion of HIST 3388 Tutorial Studies in American History or HIST 3389 Tutorial Studies in World History
- Submission and approval of an Honors Thesis
For more information, see Dr. Barnes.
Master's Program
The Department of History Master of Arts seeks to broaden and deepen the student's mastery of the historical discipline. As such, it is suited to teachers desiring further study in the discipline, to students preparing for entrance into a doctoral program, and to those, who by reason of avocation or vocation, desire a more profound knowledge of history. The Master of Arts program prepares students for a wide variety of career options ranging from teaching and business to journalism and public service.
Applicants for the graduate program should have
- A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.70 on a scale of 4.00, or at least a 3.00 in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate study
- A minimum of 12 undergraduate history hours (with a minimum 3.0 GPA for those courses)
To apply, one should submit
1. The common UCA graduate application, available at this link: http://uca.edu/graduateschool/admission-process/
2. GRE scores. Scores of 153 verbal (500 in the scoring system used prior to fall 2011) and 4.0 in analytical writing are recommended.
3. A 2-3 page formal statement of purpose that explains why the applicant is pursuing a master's degree, identifies the applicant's particular historical interests (i.e., the historical problems or issues that most interests the applicant), and suggests why the applicant is interested in the History MA program at UCA.
4. Two letters of recommendation
5. CV (academic resume)
6. Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended. Transcripts should be sent directly to the UCA Graduate School or delivered in an unopened envelope sealed by the institution. Electronic copies are welcome.
Send all items to
UCA Graduate School
201 Donaghey Avenue
Torreyson West 328
Conway AR 72035 (501)450-3124 phone (501)450-5678 fax
A candidate who is deficient in one or more of the regular requirements may be admitted conditionally. Under conditional admission, a student must complete the first 9 hours of the program with a B or better to achieve regular status. Conditionally admitted students are not eligible for most forms of financial aid.
M.A. Graduate Program Description & Guidelines
Application for Graduate Program
Online Application for Graduate Program
Graduate Assistantship Application
M.A. History Program Frequently Asked Questions