Important Information: How to Complete Your Degree
First: There are several forms that must be completed at the appropriate time. This is a master list
Program Development Form — Filled out during the initial advising session with the graduate coordinator. [Form Provided by History Department]
Appointment of Supervisory Committee Form — Electronic Form available on the Graduate College Website. See the Forms Button on our main page.
Proposal Discussion Form — Filled out during History 501 class. [Form provided by History Department]
Application to Candidacy Form
Application to Graduate Form
Defense Committee Approval Form
Thesis Submission Forms
Culminating Projects
Thesis
The MA thesis is a research paper based primarily upon primary sources with a text length of 80-100 pages including the bibliography. This thesis comprises an original argument set withing the historiography of the subject area.
To begin the process of writing a thesis graduate students must first have a “proposal discussion” with their supervisory committee. The proposal itself, and the creation of the supervisory committee, are a part of the structure of the History 501 class offered every spring semester. The proposal discussion is a formal meeting (with attendant paperwork) that takes place before the beginning of summer (during the History 501 semester). The proposal discussion meeting allows for the committee and the student to hone the subject and purpose of the thesis into an acceptable project. After a successful and fruitful discussion the student is given the green light to begin major research over the summer in preparation for intensive writing to begin in the following fall semester.
Public History Project
The Public History Project is a research project that culminates in a public history demonstration and the generation of a written packet of materials between 80-100 pages in length. This packet consists of revised papers from the student’s History 500, 501, and 502 classes and an additional all new essay discussing the public history project (demonstration) that both describes, but primarily discusses, the project within the intellectual arena of public history.
To begin the process of developing a public history research project graduate students must first have a “proposal discussion” with their supervisory committee. The proposal itself, and the creation of the supervisory committee, are a part of the structure of the History 501 class offered every spring semester. The proposal discussion is a formal meeting (with attendant paperwork) that takes place before the beginning of summer (during the History 501 semester). The proposal discussion meeting allows for the committee and the student to hone the subject and purpose of the public history demonstration into an acceptable project. After a successful and fruitful discussion the student is given the green light to begin major research over the summer in preparation for intensive writing and demonstration creation to begin in the following fall semester.
Educator Portfolio
The Educator portfolio is a research project that culminates the generation of a written packet of materials between 80-100 pages in length. This packet consists of revised papers from the student’s History 500, 501, and 503 classes and an additional all new curriculum essay that both describes and demonstrates new curricular ideas based upon the culmination of graduate work. In addition the student will provide a sample new curriculum.
To begin the process of developing an Educator Portfolio the graduate students must first have a “proposal discussion” with their supervisory committee. The proposal itself, and the creation of the supervisory committee, are a part of the structure of the History 501 class offered every spring semester. The proposal discussion is a formal meeting (with attendant paperwork) that takes place before the beginning of summer (during the History 501 semester). The proposal discussion meeting allows for the committee and the student to hone the subject and purpose of the curriculum project into an acceptable project. After a successful and fruitful discussion the student is given the green light to begin major research over the summer in preparation for intensive writing and development of the curriculum project to begin in the following fall semester.
Comprehensive Exam
The Comprehensive Exam track culminates in a four hour written exam. The exam reflects the students chosen overall thematic field which is further sub-divided into three sub-fields.
To begin the process of working towards the exam stage the student must have a “proposal discussion” with their supervisory committee. The proposal itself, and the creation of the supervisory committee, are a part of the structure of the History 501 class offered every spring semester. The proposal discussion is a formal meeting (with attendant paperwork) that takes place before the beginning of summer (during the History 501 semester). The proposal discussion meeting allows for the committee and the student to hone the subject and purpose of the exam into an acceptable theme and subfields. After a successful and fruitful discussion the student is given the green light to begin supplementary research over the summer.
each subfield is represented by one of the committee members and each committee member will compose one question for the exam.
Important Benchmarks All History Graduate Students Must Complete
Culmination Project Proposal
All Graduate Students in History 501 will develop a proposal for their culminating project, whether it be a Thesis, Public History Project, a Portfolio or Comprehensive Exam. The student will have a formal scheduled discussion with their supervisory committee (also developed during History 501). This discussion also results in the filling out of one of important forms on the above list. More information on these proposals is in the culminating project tabs above.
Graduate Student Showcase
All students in the graduate program who began with Cohort 2025 and forward will compete in the Graduate Student Showcase. This is a grand poster event held in the student union every spring. This event culminates in an awards ceremony. History graduate students have won several awards over the last few years. Examples of poster presentations are displayed in the history department. The posters are free to create and print — there is no cost to the student. Our department feels that History must be represented in a larger forum. The history field needs exposure. We need to show the university and larger treasure valley community the excellent work that our graduate students are doing.
Three Minute Thesis
The Three Minute Thesis is a Graduate College sponsored event that challenges students to pitch what they are researching in a three minute compelling little speech. Our department is not requiring every graduate student to compete in this (unlike the Graduate Student Showcase) but we do encourage it. We have had students participate.
Important Graduate College Resources
If ever in doubt about policy and guidelines consult with these entities.
1. Your Graduate Coordinator for History
2. Your Supervisory Committee Chair
3. History Department Chair
4. History Department Business Manager (Diana Bancroft)
5. Graduate College Catalogue for your catalogue year — the academic year you started.
6. Graduate College Website
7. Registrar — for dates and costs