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Apply to the M.A. Program
Admissions Criteria
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree with a history major or substantial credits in subject areas containing historical content (such as literature, political theory, art history, etc.). Alternatively, applicants can substitute work experience, such as archival, museum, or preservation work, for the undergraduate major. Applicants' transcripts should show a grade point average indicative of the ability to pursue successfully a graduate degree.
If a personal interview is desirable, applicants should contact the department's interim director of graduate studies, John Herman.
Deadlines
| Fall Admission | Spring Admission |
|---|---|
| Priority consideration: February 15 | Priority consideration: October 15 |
| Deadline: July 1 | Deadline: December 1 |
It is recommended that candidates apply early to ensure consideration for graduate teaching assistantships and for receipt of any applicable financial aid.
Required Application Materials
- A written statement of intent, indicating why the applicant wishes to pursue a graduate degree in history, what area of concentration (topic, time period, geographical location, etc.) the applicant wishes to study, and professional goals
- Transcripts from all undergraduate institutions
- Three letters of reference from instructors or colleagues capable of speaking to the applicant's ability to conduct research, communicate effectively, contribute in a classroom, and progress through graduate school
- A writing sample of roughly 20 pages demonstrating the ability to analyze and convey historical information effectively
- The GRE requirement is waived
It is strongly encouraged that references use the online application to submit letters of recommendation; however, references may also email their letters to gradimag@vcu.edu with the applicant's full name and the program to which they are applying in the subject line of the email.
Students in the certificate program may apply for admission into the master's program after having completed nine credit hours, with no more than three internship credits counting toward that total, in the graduate program. These applicants must provide letters of recommendation from at least two professors in the VCU history department and a writing sample. If accepted, students may transfer the certificate credits toward partial fulfillment of the master’s degree requirements.
Application Status Inquiries
Office of Admissions
408 W. Franklin St.
3rd floor
Richmond, Virginia 23284-2526
Phone: (804) 828-6916
Email: gradmail@vcu.edu